It is with heartbreak and profound love that we announce the sudden passing of Jennifer Lemley, age 57, of Boston, Weston, and West Falmouth, Massachusetts, who died of natural causes on September 13, 2025.
Jenn is survived by her husband of nearly 30 years, Christopher Lemley, her adoring sons Noah (1998), Ethan (2000), and Calvin (2003), her parents John and Paulette Krause of Dallas, TX, her brother Jonathan Krause of Cleveland, OH, and her in-laws Fraser and Cecile Lemley of Boston. She also leaves behind her two loyal dogs, Hazel and Daisy, and a vast circle of extended family and treasured friends whose lives she touched in countless ways.
Jenn’s vibrant spirit defined her. She was, in every sense, fierce—as a mother, a friend, a daughter, a niece, and a wife. Fierce wasn’t just an adjective for her; it was a verb. Jenn loved, protected, fought, and showed up—for her people and her values—with unmatched passion and loyalty. If she was in your corner, you knew it. If she wasn’t, well… you probably knew that, too.
A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America (a credential she rarely mentioned but that explained her legendary “crack cookies”) and UMass Amherst, Jenn built an early career in the restaurant world as both a chef and general manager. But in 1998, with the arrival of Noah, she “retired” from the industry to take on her favorite role: mom. And no one mom-ed quite like Jenn.
For over a decade, Jenn was a force at The Rivers School in Weston, where all three boys flourished. She chaired the annual auction, led the Rivers Parents League, and took immense pride in supporting the Rivers Boys Varsity Soccer Team. For five years, she served as a captain’s parent, helping to shape a culture rooted in leadership, resilience, and community. She never did anything halfway.
She once famously replied to a parent who asked who Rivers’ biggest soccer rival was: “We hate them all!” Delivered with a twinkle in her eye and a fierce team spirit, that was classic Jenn—equal parts humor, loyalty, and love.
Jenn had a deep connection to her friends and her communities—whether walking with her dogs, returning weekly to Heroes Fitness in Wellesley, or crafting her signature Bolognese sauce. Her friendships were real, rooted, and enduring. She didn’t do surface-level.
Jenn and Chris would have celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary this October. Their recent debates over Italian travel logistics and packing strategies will forever be remembered as part of a partnership filled with humor, love, and shared dreams—one that Chris would have gladly lost every argument in, just to keep having them.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, September 16th, from 4:00–5:00 PM, followed by a drop-in reception and visitation from 5:00–7:00 PM at Belmont Country Club, 181 Winter Street, Belmont, MA. All are welcome to come and pay their respects.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Jenn’s honor to organizations she deeply cared about: Horizons for Homeless Children, Heading Home, or Planned Parenthood.
Jennifer Lemley was a rare force—fierce, funny, thoughtful, and full of life. She gave the world her all, and those who were lucky enough to be in her orbit will carry her fierce love forever.
Rest in peace, Jenn. You were one of a kind.
