Jean Helen Lance

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