Jennifer Dalton
Jennifer Lorese Dalton, 57, of Morgan Hill, California passed away peacefully and surrounded by love, on April 10, 2025.
Jennifer was born on December 3, 1967 to Richard and Nina Mayton in Eureka, California. She had a wonderful childhood on their ranch where her family enjoyed hunting, fishing, having large campfires, playing music, and spending time together. She followed in her father’s footsteps and joined the police force in 1989 as a dispatcher. She transferred to California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo as a dispatcher in 1992 and became a police officer in 1997.
She welcomed her son, Spencer to the world in 1993. Being a mother came naturally to her and one of her most honored roles. Together, her and Spencer enjoyed playing guitar and spending time with her parents, Richard and Nina.
In 2002, at the age of 35, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and like the total badass she is, she kicked cancer’s butt. This is only one example of Jen’s strength and even though she beat cancer, it was a very traumatic part of her and Spencer’s life.
Jen advanced her career from being a police officer to an investigator in 2005 when she was hired by Santa Barbara County working in welfare fraud. In 2007, she joined the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s office as an investigator where she helped to create the real estate fraud unit. She transferred to the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s office in 2018 to be closer to her husband, Zac. In Santa Clara County, she continued to specialize in real estate fraud. She also was part of the peer support team. Jen made lasting effects and relationships in every job that she worked. She was very well respected in her roles both in Santa Barbara and Santa Clara counties. Coworkers described her as impactful, dedicated, and exceptional. She was honored to be involved in the law enforcement career along with her father.
She married her husband, Zac Dalton, in 2017. Together they enjoyed traveling, playing backgammon, trying new restaurants, visiting Zac’s family ranch, and spending time with their granddaughters. Through this marriage she also gained a bonus daughter in Kayce, Zac’s daughter. Zac and Jen were absolutely soulmates and were so lucky to spend 16 years together laughing, loving, and trying to beat each other in backgammon. It is still up for debate who is better at the game!
Jen grew up listening to and playing music both on piano and guitar. It was something that she learned from her dad and continued throughout her life. Her home was filled with music, laughter, and very good smelling food. Jen was also part of a book club with her coworkers (even though she had questionable suggestions) and enjoyed talking about books with her daughter, Kayce. She had recently started attending New Hope church in Gilroy and was enjoying sermons, Bible studies, events, and connecting with many people there.
Jennifer was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Nina. She is survived by: her loving husband, Zac Dalton; son, Spencer Estelle; daughter, Kayce Gillispie (Bryan); granddaughters, Dakota and Isla Gillispie; sisters, Cyndi (Tad) Sundquist and Debyra (Bill) Herndon; nieces, Sara Herndon and Ava Rashel Joy Herndon; nephews, Trevor and Trey Sundquist and Michael Herndon.
Jen lived a life full of compassion, strength, and generosity. Everybody around Jen knows what a bright light she was to this world. She will be deeply, deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her ashes will be spread in her very favorite place, Zac’s family ranch on the mountain top where she enjoyed playing her guitar, listening to nature, and watching the sunset.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Wounded Warrior Project. Donations may also be made to your favorite charity.