Jennifer Colleen DeLater

Stuart - Chief Petty Officer Jennifer Colleen DeLater, 34, of Glen Burnie, MD, passed away on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. Born in Phoenix, AZ on August 10, 1988, she is the daughter of Douglas and Polly DeLater. She grew up in Stuart, FL, graduating from South Fork High School in 2006. Upon graduation, Jennifer attended Florida Gulf Coast University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Information Systems in 2011. While contemplating her future she joined the Ding Darling Wildlife family on Sanibel Island, Florida. Soon after she answered the call to serve her country, enlisting in the U.S. Coast Guard in 2012.

While no one person's life can be summed up in mere words, it's important to note that although Jennifer wasn't here nearly long enough, in her 34 years, she lived an incredibly full life. She was a wonderful daughter, sister, and friend to so many. Her pride, joy, and closest companion was her dog, Annie. She never missed a day at the dog park and would have given Annie the world if she could. She grew up playing soccer, enjoyed the outdoors, and loved spending time at the beach. Throughout her travels, she would seek out the best local restaurants and never failed to find a brewery.

Jennifer served honorably for 11 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, attaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer, working as an Information Systems Technician. She began her military career in Cape May, NJ at Recruit Basic Training. After boot camp, she served onboard CGC WAESCHE, homeported in Alameda, CA. After two years of shipboard duty, Jennifer attended Information Systems Technician Class "A" School in Petaluma, CA. Following school, she was stationed in Charleston, SC at Electronic Systems Support Detachment Charleston. Following her tour of duty in Charleston, Jennifer was stationed in Miami, FL and most recently Baltimore, MD at Electronic Systems Support Detachments. Jennifer was a shipmate, mentor, and friend to those she served with.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents; Morris E. DeLater, Col. Harry E Wilcox and Donna Colleen Wilcox. Jennifer is survived by her loving parents, Douglas and Polly of Stuart, FL; her sister Kirsten of Orlando, FL; her grandmother Janice DeLater; as well as many beloved uncles, aunts, cousins, and niece. Let's not forget her hound dog Annie.

A Celebration of Life in Jennifer's honor and remembrance will take place on Saturday. September 23rd at 2 PM, followed by a reception at First United Methodist Church in Stuart. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Coast Guard Foundation (https://coastguardfoundation.org/ways-to-give/donate-directly#) is greatly appreciated for they have held our hands throughout this journey.**