Jennifer Bridgette Lantz (Yellowlees), 48

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Jennifer “Jen” Bridgette Lantz (Yellowlees), who died suddenly and tragically as a result of gun violence on January 27, 2026. She was 48 years old.

Jen was born Jennifer Yellowlees on April 30, 1977 in North Shields, England. She and her brother, John Yellowlees, were raised by their parents, Stuart Yellowlees and Stephanie Ann, in Whitley Bay, a small town along the northeast coast of England. In 1990, Jen and her family immigrated to the United States to be closer to Stephanie’s family in Gig Harbor, Washington.

Jen graduated from Peninsula High School in 1995. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree followed by her Master’s in Education & School Counseling from Saint Martin’s University. After graduate school, Jen settled in Gig Harbor where she began her career, built a family, and lived a life grounded in her love for others. She married Brad Lantz and became the proud mother of two children, her son, Zane Lantz, and her daughter, Skylar Lantz.

Jen devoted much of her professional life to public education, serving in a number of roles, including as a school counselor and, in recent years, as a paraeducator supporting students and young adults with disabilities. She cared deeply about the students and families she served and about the colleagues with whom she worked. Her compassion, patience, and commitment made a meaningful difference in the lives of those around her.

Jen was gentle, caring, thoughtful, generous, and courageous. She valued family above all else and was a loyal and devoted friend. Throughout her life, Jen gave generously of herself, often putting the needs of others before her own. She was a person of great character, integrity, and grace. Those who knew her will remember not only her kind and gentle spirit, but the quiet and lasting impact she had on their lives.

Jen’s passing leaves a void that will never be filled. We miss her deeply and will forever remember her with love and gratitude for the life she lived, the values she embodied and the meaning she brought to each of our lives.

Jen is survived by her parents, Stephanie and Stuart; her brother, John; her husband, Brad; her daughter, Skylar; and many other family members and friends in both the United States and the United Kingdom.

In loving memory, The Yellowlees Family.