Jean Helen Lance, age 76, of Long Valley, NJ, passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, at Hackettstown Regional Medical Center in Hackettstown, NJ.
Born on April 10, 1949, in Newton, NJ, Jean was the daughter of the late John and Evelyn (Flumerfelt) Ort. She was also predeceased by her brother, William H. Ort, young sister Bonnie Lee, and grandson Joshua Adickes. She grew up in Allamuchy and then Hackettstown, where she graduated from Hackettstown High School and later raised her two young sons. She eventually settled in Long Valley where she spent the rest of her days alongside her husband of 47 years.
Jean dedicated 28 years of service to the Washington Township School District in Long Valley, NJ, where she worked as a School Bus Driver. She took great pride in her work and was known for her reliability, kindness, and the care she showed to the children and families she served. She loved frequenting casinos, creating cross stitch blankets for every new baby in the family, sipping a hot cup of coffee, cold beer or glass of wine, and never met a burnt hot dog she didn’t love! Spending time making memories with family and friends rounded out her favorite things.
Jean is survived by her devoted husband, Jason G. Lance, her two cherished sons, Kenny Lance and wife Roberta, and Jim Lance and wife Susan, and her two loving daughters, Geraldine Adickes and husband Dale, and Deborah Beck and husband William. She is also survived by her brother, (John) Barry Ort; ten grandchildren; and fifteen great‑grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense joy.
Visitation will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026, from 2–4 pm and 6–8 pm at Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ.
The funeral service will take place at 10:00 am on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at Highlands Presbyterian Church, 3 Heath Lane, Long Valley, NJ, with Rev. Melvin Travis and Heather Yader officiating. Burial will follow at Fairmount Cemetery, Califon, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Long Valley First Aid Squad, PO Box 521, Long Valley, NJ 07853, in memory of Jean.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. For those wishing to leave online condolences for the family please visit, www.cochranfuneral.com
6 Condolences for Lance, Jean Helen (nee-Ort)
Condolences(6)
Barbara Shaw says
February 7, 2026 at 5:36 pmDear Jason and all the family, I send my deepest condolences to all of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
God Bless. Barbara
Denise Schott Zweigle says
February 19, 2026 at 6:02 pmMy heart felt sympathies. I remember Jean well from church. Always had a smile and great laughs with my parents at the church fairs. Thinking of you all during your time of grief.
Claudia K Tiger says
February 7, 2026 at 5:43 pmTo all of Jean’s family & friends, please accept my deepest condolences. May all her loving & fun memories hug your hearts tight today & always. I am so very sorry Jason that you will now have to navigate a journey ahead without Jean close by your side on this earth. I do know she will be with you always & will send you signs. (( HUGS)) God be with you all.
Joe and Janet Lake says
February 8, 2026 at 8:17 pmJean was a beautiful person. She was kind to everyone. Always easy to get along with. May she rest in peace with her departed family.
Our deepest condolences to her husband, children and cousins.
Joe and Janet Lake
Colleen Smith Hughes says
February 9, 2026 at 8:39 amI will always treasure our memories growing up together we had a lot of laughter and a few tears. You will be missed by many. I will see you again! Rest in Peace.. Lo 💕 Colleen
Pat Lemoine says
February 10, 2026 at 6:47 amJeannie was a cherished younger cousin. I, also, have many happy memories with her over the years. Whenever we had contact in later years we shared a lot of laughter! Until we meet again. Jason you and the family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Pat
Search Obituaries