Carol Jeanne Lenten

Carol “CJ” Lenten passed away on October 8, 2026, at the age of 77. Born June 19, 1949, to Arthur and Audrey Jiracek, her life was shaped by the family she loved, the friendships she cherished, and her love of adventure.

She was anything but ordinary, and one word could never capture her. She spoke her mind, loved deeply, and brought energy and personality to everything she did. She could be both fierce and tender, and she was always unmistakably herself.

CJ was born and raised in New York before beginning her 20-year career as a flight attendant for Frontier Airlines in 1970. She had a passion for traveling the world and learning its history along the way. Some of her favorite moments were spent watching a beautiful sunset with her husband, Jack, cheering for the Broncos, watching The Wizard of Oz, cooking, and laughing with her friends.

After losing her first son, Mark, to SIDS at just two months old, CJ found comfort, support, and connection through Angel Eyes. The organization helped her through her grief and brought her together with some of her dearest friends. Those friendships stayed with her throughout her life. Hosting the annual “Claws for a Cause” lobster boil fundraiser became a meaningful way to give back, bringing the people she loved together to support a cause close to her heart.

CJ is survived by her husband of 50 years, William Lenten; her son, Christopher Lenten, and daughter-in-law, Kelsey Lenten; her grandchildren, Brek and Kora Lenten; and her brothers, Ronald and Steven Jiracek, and their wives, Marilyn and Jill. She was preceded in death by her son, Mark Lenten; her parents, Arthur and Audrey Jiracek; and her stepmother, Juliet Jiracek.

She leaves behind a family who loves her, dear friends who will miss her, and plenty of stories we’ll keep telling. She taught us to speak our minds, stand up for what matters, and make time for laughter, spontaneous adventures, and the people we love. We’ll miss her conversations, her energy, and all the things that made her CJ.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Angel Eyes in CJ’s memory, helping other families find the support and connection that meant so much to her.