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Woodlawn Funeral Home Obituaries

Jewel Colleen Rinaldi (Ensberg) , Age: 85
September 02, 1934 - October 27, 2019

Jewel Colleen Rinaldi (Ensberg) passed away peacefully in her home on October 27th 2019. This day may have marked the end of her time here on earth, but it certainly was not a departure of her joyous spirit. Jewel was born on September 2, 1934 to Oscar and Clara Herreid in Hills, MN.and was one of 5 children. Jewel's family relocated to Portland Oregon in 1942. She graduated from Grant High School in 1952. She entered nurses training at PLU where she met and married David Ensberg. They had 3 children and Jewel's number one priority became her family. When her youngest child was established in school, Jewel returned to finish her education and eventually graduated with honors from St. Martins College with her Masters degree in education. Jewel became an elementary teacher and found great purpose and pride in her profession. Throughout her career in education she focused heavily on reaching out to help those children who didn't feel they had a voice . She said she especially loved the naughty ones because they needed her the most.Jewel was a real champion for the underdogs in life and would find and encourage those gifts that make each of us special. Her name "Jewel" couldn't be more fitting.After 22 years of marriage Jewel and David’s marriage ended in 1977.In 1978 she married Frank Rinaldi and they enjoyed 30 years together before he passed in 2008. In her forties, Jewel was diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis. And though she was forced to give up many of the activities she loved, she chose to seek joy and gratitude and never grew resentful even when her abilities became limited. As a devoted Lutheran and member of her church community at Good Shepherd she also found hope and purpose through her faith. Known for her positive outlook on life, Jewel's unwavering smile was indicative of her resilient spirit. In her later years , though her health was declining, she would often say "I always have good days." Jewel is survived by three children, Kristine Ensberg Paeth (Brian), Erik Ensberg (Arlene) and Susan Ensberg Hood (John), her 6 grandchildren, Ashley Ramos, Erikka Smith, Lawton Hood, Sawyer Paeth, Savvy Paeth and Jake Ensberg, and three great grandchildren Walker Smith, Romeo Ramos and Ryder Smith.
 
Our gratitude and appreciation go to Lidia Nutu and her staff at Lidia's Adult Family Home for the loving care they provided to Jewel for the last 8 years. 
 
To honor Jewel, her family would ask that you do an unexpected act of kindness for someone in her name. 
 
Memorial donations may be made to Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.


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