Elaine E. Jensen, 86, of Ashville, NY, passed away Friday, April 3, 2026 at UPMC Chautauqua. She was born in Jamestown on Dec. 10, 1939, and was a daughter of the late Clayton and June Sawdey Thomas.

Elaine had been employed as a waitress for many years by Davidson's Restaurant, as well as by the former Alfie's and Jenny's restaurants. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society and the Harmony Senior Citizens. She will always be remembered as "The Matriarch of the Family".

Surviving is a daughter, June Matherly of Ashville and son, Terry (Lisa) Barrett of Youngsville, PA; daughter-in-law, Barb Klein of Ashville; 10 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and 1 great great granddaughter; 4 stepchildren: Doug Jensen, Brian (Kim) Jensen, Edward (Rachel) Jensen III, and Michael Jensen, all of California; and several nieces and nephews.

Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, Edward J. Jensen, Jr. whom she married Dec. 8, 1990 and who died June 1, 2013; a son, Jerry Klein; 2 grandchildren, Carl E. Brown and Sean D. Barrett; and 2 sisters, Pat Munday and Nancy Costanzo.

The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, April 10th in the Lind Funeral Home, led by Rev. Mike Childs. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. for 2 hours prior to the service.