Constance E. Jeff

Born to Glenn and Elizabeth “Betty Jane” Orndorf, Connie was a woman deeply devoted to her family, her hometown of Lancaster, PA, and the friends and community that she loved so dearly. She dedicated her 77 years to service and philanthropy through thoughtfully designed acts of generosity and care. At her foundation was deep faith and love for God, Jesus, and her church. Her legacy is her embodiment of others before self, and her undying pursuit of truth, hope, and love.

As a child, Connie was obedient and pure-hearted, deeply loving her parents and sister, Jayne. Through her father, she developed a love for travel, a comfort with social introductions, and an ever-present belief that all roads somehow lead back to Lancaster. Through her mother, Connie discovered etiquette, believing that its purpose was to put others at ease and provide a sense of decorum and courtesy. Connie could practically quote Emily Post’s guidance, and loved any article, game, or book associated with social norms.

Connie had a quiet courage that inspired her to connect with and learn from people. At the young age of 16, in 1965, she traveled to India for an exchange program. She lived with a family, with whom she cultivated a relationship for decades afterward. Embarking by boat for a multi-day trip across the ocean, a telegram notified her parents that she arrived safely, and thus she commenced her adventure.

During her teenage years, she was a diligent student, and a contributor to her school as an editor of Manheim Township’s Hi-Lite newspaper. She cherished her high school years, forming deep friendships that lasted a lifetime, and a devotion to the Manheim Township Alumni Association and Class of 1967.

She graduated in 1971 with her bachelor’s degree from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA, where she studied Sociology and Psychology. It was at Muhlenberg that she met her husband and the love of her life, Dennis William Jeff. Smitten with each other from their first date, they were two peas in a pod, inseparable, indivisible, and deeply in love. They were married for nearly 55 years, and to their family, they stand as the brightest beacon and most profound demonstration of true love and commitment.

Connie’s dedication to her family was one of her deepest priorities, selflessly foregoing her own pursuits for many years to raise her children with intentionality, presence, and warmth. She was always the first to volunteer to be a room mother, a field trip chaperone, a Sunday school teacher, a carpool driver. She provided her children with stability, support, and guidance that was grounded in her faith, values, and love. She instilled in them inner confidence and independence, selfless gifts from their mother. She gave them wings to explore, grow, and flourish, yet reminded them where their home is, where their roots are, and how they can always return to family. Connie also provided a home in every sense of the word. It was one with warmth, color, flowers, and more importantly, a home that greeted people with hugs, kind words, wonderful conversation, and endless laughter.

Perhaps above all else, Connie’s life represents the exquisite beauty that acts of service can bestow on humanity. A devoted Christian and Presbyterian, Connie was called to spend her life in direct service to others. She was the first to look for the schoolmate without a friend, and would invite them to play. She was the first to bring a meal or a plant to a new neighbor. She was the first to scan the room at a crowded event, seeking anyone standing alone, and would strike up a conversation to put them at ease. At the S. June Smith Center, she helped families of children with developmental needs. At the family insurance company, she obtained her insurance license and served clients to support her husband and family. At the Manheim Township Public Library, she helped community members find the perfect book to satiate their curiosity and interest. As President of the Junior League of Lancaster, she helped advance women’s leadership and community impact through volunteerism. Through the Lititz Woman’s Club, she supported projects of fundraising, scholarship, and community-building. At Highland Presbyterian Church, she welcomed members into church services as a greeter. As a bridge Life Master, she played cards to keep her mind sharp and support her friends in their pursuits of bridge tournaments and masterpoints. Through her neighborhood at Traditions of America in Lititz, she poured herself into friendships through book club, bocce club, wine club, the social committee, and more. She and her husband, Dennis, even formed their own club with dear friends, LENTO, to support the empty nesting transition when their children left home. The matriarch of her family, her service to her husband, children, grandchildren, and relatives was unparalleled. Ever present for a phone call, always proactively sending a thoughtful text, ceaselessly remembering others’ important events, forever writing notes and cards of encouragement, and when needed, offering a shoulder to cry on. In her dying moments, she was asking about and caring for others, thinking of everyone before herself.

Her calling on earth has been fulfilled, and we imagine she will be greeting all who enter the Kingdom of Heaven with her warmth, welcome, and love.

Please join us in celebration of her beautiful spirit and life:

Highland Presbyterian Church

500 East Roseville Road, Lancaster, PA

Monday, May 18, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents, Glenn and Elizabeth “Betty Jane” Orndorf, and her sister, Jayne McCawley.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Dennis William Jeff; her children, Jamison “Jamey” Jeff of Falls Church, VA and Meredith Sadoulet of Devon, PA; their spouses, Heather Jeff and Samuel Sadoulet; her grandchildren, Hayden and Raine Jeff, Elliott and Reese Oakes, Leila and Lucas Sadoulet; and many cherished extended family members and friends.