Jennifer L. Kovach

Jennifer L. Kovach, respected member of the Sussex County community, beloved mother, daughter, sister, friend, and much more to many, passed away at her home on October 19, 2025, surrounded by her children at 59 years old.
Born in Newton, NJ, to Donald L. Kovach and Betty Jane Kovach, Jennifer attended Franklin High School and went on to earn her B.A. in History from East Stroudsburg University, where she was a proud member of the Lambda Iota sorority. She later obtained her Juris Doctor degree from Cooley Law School and became a dedicated attorney, licensed to practice in New Jersey since 1994. Throughout her career, Jennifer served in leadership roles with the Sussex County Bar Association and built a career defined by intelligence, integrity, and compassion.
Her legal practice focused on real estate, land use, and civil litigation as she represented a wide range of clients including Sussex Bank, Wal-Mart, BP, and numerous county and township organizations. Earlier in her career, she advocated for involuntarily committed individuals in state psychiatric institutions, learning lessons in compassion from mentors and judges that she carried throughout her life and career.
Jennifer was deeply involved in local life through volunteer work, nonprofit programs, and church service. She was an ordained Elder at the First Presbyterian Church of Sussex and gave her time to organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the St. Clare's Community Advisory Board. For many years, she also coached youth basketball, inspiring countless adolescents with her leadership and warmth.
Jennifer was known for her authenticity, strength, humor, and generous spirit. She led by example showing her children and those around her that life is not about perfection, but resilience and how we respond to adversity.
Her spirit will carry on through her loving children Adam R. Vanderwiele, Reyes Madera, Katie Vanderwiele and Jacob D. Vanderwiele. She is also survived by her sister Michelle Ulland; her brother, Alex (Shon) Kovach, and his wife Wendy Kovach; along with their children Alex and Kara Kovach.
Jennifer was preceded in death by her parents Donald and Betty Jane Kovach, and by her former husband, Richard Vanderwiele.
The family will be holding a private funeral to honor her wishes and any future celebration of life will be shared at a later date. Jennifer will be laid to rest peacefully next to her parents at North Hardyston Cemetery. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Jennifer, please visit our Tree Store.