Genevieve F. Jenny Lance
Genevieve F. "Jenny" Lance, 68, of 61 Fiske Ave. Bradford, passed away Tuesday, April 14, 2015, surrounded by her loving family.
Born May 26, 1946 in Detroit MI, she was a daughter of the late Frank and Bertha (Pelker) Kniceley.
On July 2, 1966 in St. Bernard Church, she married Kimber L. Lance who survives.
She served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve in the medical field. She was activated during Operation Desert Shield where she was deployed to a military hospital in Germany. Jenny was proud to have been a part of the group who planned the Women in Military Service for America Memorial in Washington DC in 1997. She retired after 29 ½ years as a Chief Master Sergeant, the highest non-commissioned officer rank in the Air Force, and a rank few women achieved.
She was a member of St. Bernard Church where she served on Parish Council and was a member and Past President of Catholic Women’s Club. Along with her husband, she was actively involved in the L.E.E.K. Hunting and Mountain Preserve in Oswayo, which is a non-profit organization that provides injured military members an opportunity to hunt and fish.
Surviving in addition to her husband Kimber of 48 years are two daughters, Michelle M. (Kevin) Kilpatrick, of Bradford, and Paulette R. (Mike) Cooper, of Fairfield CA, two sisters, Rita Kniceley and Catherine Rudd of Piketon, Ohio, four grandchildren Noah Whittemore, Holly Kilpatrick, Ryan Whittemore and Spencer Whittemore, and several nieces and nephews.
Family will be receiving friends on Monday, April 20, 2015 from 9:00am to 10:00am in St. Bernard Church, at 10:00am a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Rev. Raymond Gramata, pastor officiating. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a future date yet to be determined. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to St. Bernard Church Restoration Fund, PO Box 2394 Bradford, PA 16701.
On line condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
All Condolences -
The hours and years since Jenny left CA have gone by too quickly and I have missed her. The hours and years she was my Superintendent of Nursing Services were some of the best of my USAFR carreer. She was also a dear friend and we supported each other through many thick and thin times. We had some great gatherings at her and Kim's home as well as mine and Tom's. Thank you for the memories Jenny. Tom and I send thoughts and prayers to Kim and his family.
With love I say good-bye Chief and God speed. Connie & Tom
— Lt. Col. Connie E Peterson (Retired)
Kim, I'm so glad you brought Jenny to Bradford so I could meet and also know her as my friend. She has been in my prayers since she started her last journey. You and your family will remain in my prayers until only the best memories of Jenny remain. To me Jenny will always be one of those angels among us.
— Priscilla Newpher
Words can not describe how sorry I am to hear of Jenny's death. Jenny was an amazing lady and I always looked forward to seeing and spending time with her at the reunion. Sending love and prayers to your family.
— Betty Kniceley
Kim and family, we are so sorry for your loss of a very special lady. She was so warm and loving and I know she will be missed forever. We will keep all of you in our hearts and prayers. God Bless
— Ben & Carolyn Dempsey
Jenny was my first aeromedical evacuation flight instructor on C-141's at Travis AFB, CA. She also taught me how to run the flight management program. I am happy to have known her - she was patient and kind with me and I won't forget her. She is in my prayers.
— CMSgt (ret) Jan Murphy
Chief Lance exemplified everything an Air Force Chief should be. Sincere condolences to Kimber and their family. Prayers will be offered requesting strength and courage at this time of loss.
— David C. Wigley, CMSgt, USAF (Retired)
Jenny You were
one fine tech. We
flew many a mission and had
so much fun doing them. Love, Bob
— robert johnston
Chief Lance exemplified everything an Air Force Chief should be. Sincere condolences to Kimber and their family. Prayers will be offered requesting strength and courage at this time of loss.
— David C. Wigley, CMSgt, USAF (Retired)
Dear Kim and family, I am so shocked and saddened to hear about Jenny's passing. She was an amazing person and one that everyone wanted to emulate. I admired her strength, passion and humanity. The world lost a great one.
— Janice Schlick, CMSgt, ret
The Lance Family: It saddens me to hear about Jenny . I have many memories of working with her and for her in the Reserves. Plus the social times such as Paulette`s wedding.One of my fondest memories was when Jenny and I were in San Antonio together and she met my mom. Jenny must of made a big impression because my mom kept asking about her after that. I hope that your memories will help all of you through the years
Every time I see my picture of the Women`s Memorial hanging in my library I will think of her.
God Bless You All
— Peggy Fitzpatrick
So sorry to hear of Jenny's passing. I was stationed at Travis AFB, CA with her and was there to celebrate her retirement. I'll miss her and her e-mails from PA.
— Ranona (Nona) Hazeleaf
Sorry to hear about your loss. My prayres to the family. Chief Lance was a great Chief at the 349 AMDS. She was missed when she left. RIL, Chief!
— Gwen Hunter
Our prayers to you and your family CMS Lance. It was an honor to have served with you ma'am. The US Air.Force and the 349th MDS will miss you. Rest in peace.
— MSg Londres
Dear Jenny,
Thank you for being my friend for nearly 40 years. Your strength & wisdom have guided me through several rough patches in my life.
Girl, we have seen it all!!
Your laughter lightened my heart as we shared our lives and watched our families grow. A good laugh or good cry never hurt anyone.
My tears are just a sign of the strength of our friendship & love. I'll miss you my dear friend. See ya on the other side.
— Karen Redd
So sorry for your loss. Your mom looks beautiful in her Air Force uniform.
— Frank Wassenberg
My deepest sympathy. It was an honor knowing her-a great individual!!!
— Benny Saltivan
My prayers go out to the family of Jenny Lance. She was the backbone of the 349th Medical Squadron and mentored so many enlisted and officers alike. She will truly missed.
— Richard Griego