Jenny Sheldon knew how to have fun, first and foremost.  She had a light that drew people to her.  She gave so much of her heart and soul to her family, friends and community without expecting anything in return.  Her home and heart were always open and a visit with Jenny always left you feeling like you could do anything.  She propped people up without judgement, expecting the best of humanity always.

Jenny was born in the small mountain town of Portola, CA.  It was here that she developed a deep love of the mountains and the outdoors at a very early age.  She evolved into an accomplished and decorated downhill ski racer.  Jenny attended Southern Oregon University where she studied Physical Education and competed on the ski and field hockey teams.  Jenny was a top achiever in two varsity sports during her years at SOSC, winning recognition in both skiing and field hockey from 1969 through 1974.  She was named All Conference Skimeister for Alpine and Nordic during the 1972-73 and 1973-74 seasons as well as qualifying for Nationals in 1973-74.  Jennifer was named Honorable Mention for the Varisty Field Hockey All-Star team in 1971 and 1973 before being named to the All-Stars in 1974.  She is listed in the 1969 edition of "Who's Who of College Athletics."

While in Ashland, OR, Jenny met Dave Sheldon.  Soulmates and partners in life, they set off to travel the world.  They lived in many places including New Zealand, Tonga, and Jackson, WY.  Eventually, their travels landed them in Bend, OR and that became their home in the early 1970s.  Jenny is perhaps best known in Bend as the founder of the Pole Pedal Paddle Race.  Jenny had previously competed in and won a similar race of the same title in Jackson, WY.  During a drought year at Mt Bachelor, Jenny decided to create a multi-sport race in Bend similar to that of the Jackson race.  The goal was to raise enough money for hats for her youth ski racers.  With the blessing of the late Bill Healy, the race was born and let's just say it did more than raise money for hats.  It became an iconic race in the community that draws thousands every year.  Jenny had an amazing way of rallying a community together for a cause, or to simply have fun.    

Jenny worked as the Sport Clubs and Intramurals Director at Central Oregon Community College, impacting thousands of students during her tenure.  She built the program into a thriving department, encouraging and supporting thousands of students through sport and the outdoors.  The Sport Clubs and Intramurals Department still exists and thrives today.  Many of her former students remained lifelong friends; a testament to the spirit of Jenny Sheldon.

After her time at COCC, she left to start her own business.  She built Active Life Fitness Corporation, teaching Tai Chi for health for over a decade.  Her love of movement and activity postively impacted thousands world-wide as she became "Tai Chi Jenny."  She built a loving and connected Tai Chi community rather than just teaching classes.  The focus of her teaching was always community-building and fun.   

Jenny's legacy lives on in the many many people she touched with her vibrant, fun-loving approach to life.  Toward the end of her life, she said many times that she had no regrets.  Looking back at her beautiful life, I know this to be true.  The moral of the story is life is unpredictable; we should all be so lucky to have the feeling of "no regrets" when we pass on to the next.  Enjoy life!  Jenny may have left this world, but her positive impact and love of life remains...never to be forgotten.

A Celebration of Life will take place at the Sheldon Family home on Sunday, May 15th, 2022.  We encourage people to do the PPP race in her honor on May 14th, then come celebrate and give Jenny Sheldon the bang-out party she deserves on the 15th!