Obituary of Beth Jorgensen

Mary Elizabeth “Beth" Jorgensen, age 63 died Saturday, October 10, 2020, at her home surrounded by family. Private family services will be held at 1 pm, Saturday, October 17, 2020, at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery in Iowa City. Beth’s service will be live streamed on Saturday afternoon and can be viewed at the service time or anytime later. To view please search “Remembering Beth Jorgensen” on Facebook and request to join the group. A public visitation for family and friends, is open to the public, and will be held on Friday from 4 to 7 pm, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service. Memorial gifts can be made in Beth’s memory to St. Andrew Presbyterian Church for memorial tree plantings on the grounds of Saint Andrew. To share a thought, memory or condolence with her family please visit the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com. Mary Elizabeth Tompson, was born October 13, 1956, in Columbia, MO, the daughter of Dr. Clifford Tompson and Mary (Humphrey) Tompson. She loved animals and grew up chasing puppies and looking for toads, in the park across from her childhood home. She graduated from Rock Bridge High School, in Columbia, MO in 1975. She went on to study at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon and then to the University of Missouri at Columbia, graduating in 1979 with her bachelor of science degree. On July 28, 1979, she married Thomas Philip Jorgensen, in Columbia, MO. The couple moved to this area where Beth attended the University of Iowa, going on to receive her K-12 teaching certificate and later her master’s degree from the College of Education. Beth spent 31 years as a classroom and ELP teacher in the Iowa City Community School District, teaching at Horace Mann, Weber, and most recently at Wickham Elementary School until her retirement in 2019. Influencing the lives of all the students who passed through her door. Beth was destined to be a teacher. Her love of education, and passion for children came together in her life’s work as a teacher. Beth was not only recognized within the community but also nationally as the recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Mathematic teaching. In addition to teaching Beth participated in the Iowa writers project among many other pursuits. She enjoyed writing curriculum, and short stories. Beth was an avid reader who loved to curl up with a good book, and cherished her book club time with her grandson. She loved the outdoors and had a passion for nature and animals, especially her beloved pets. She enjoyed quilting, and sewing costumes and dresses, and baking birthday cakes for her grandchildren. Above all, she so loved being best friend and love to her husband Tom, Mom to her children, and Grandma to her grandchildren. Her family includes her husband, Tom; their children, Brooke (Paul) Braem, Amanda (Brandon) Mize, and Ethan Jorgensen; their grandchildren, Noah, Eli, Emily, Isaiah, William, Samuel, Benjamin, and Alyssa; her parents, Clifford and Mary Tompson; sister, Julie (Tony) Johnson; brother, Clifford (Mae) Tompson Jr.; mother-in-law, Jane E. Jorgensen, and her dog, Pepper. Beth was preceded in death by grandparents; Willard and Nellie Gray (Vaughn) Tompson, and Francis and Bassett (Davis) Humphrey. And her father-in-law Philip Jorgensen. “Social distancing standards will be in place along with the expectation of all in attendance will be expected to wear a mask. If you arrive without one will be provided to you by the funeral home. Thank you for supporting Beth’s family with your presence and being conscientious in doing so.”