Jessica Torrey Lamb, age 49, of Baltic, SD, died on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at Ava’s House by Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, SD.
Her family will be present to greet friends for a celebration of her life on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in Sioux Falls, SD beginning at 4:30 p.m. followed by a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Her Funeral Mass of Christian burial will take place at Christ The King Catholic Church in Webster, SD on Friday, September 18, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Augie Access, the Sioux Falls Humane Society or to help support her family with medical bills.
Jessica Torrey Lambertus was born on October 11, 1976 in Sioux Falls, SD to John and Iva Lianne (Erickson) Lambertus. In 1995, Jessica’s senior year of Webster High School, she met Jay Lamb. The couple attended her senior prom together and have been side-by-side ever since. Jessica continued her education at Northern State College in Aberdeen earning her bachelor’s degree, and then earned her master’s degree in special education at Grand Canyon University. Jessica began working in the elementary special education departments at Martin, Alpena and Webster, SD before teaching at Presentation College in Aberdeen then Augustana University in Sioux Falls. While in Sioux Falls, Jessica created Augie Access, within the Sharon Lust School of Education, a comprehensive transition and post-secondary program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities designed to increase career employment, social, academic and independent living outcomes. In 2024, Jessica was appointed as Executive Director of the SD Council on Developmental Disabilities to create an environment in which individuals with developmental disabilities direct their own lives and participate in the community. Jessica gave 100% of herself, her love and compassion to advocating for the betterment of not just those with disabilities but for everyone.
Jessica and Jay were united in marriage on June 19, 1999 in Huron, SD. The couple was blessed with three children, Gabriel, Madlyn and Peyton. She loved being a mother and would do anything for her children. She also had a love of dogs, especially her two Basset Hounds.
Jessica was a gifted artist, and enjoyed painting, writing, scrap-booking, playing the piano and baking cookies with amazing artwork on them. Above all, she was a loving wife, mother, daughter, aunt, sister, education advocate and friend who will be dearly missed.
Grateful for having shared her life are her husband, Jay Lamb of Baltic, SD; three children, Gabriel, Madlyn and Peyton; all of Baltic, SD; her father, John Lambertus of Baltic, SD; sister- in-law, April Lambertus, Sioux Falls, SD; her two canine companions, Finny and Fiona; other relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Iva Lianne Lambertus; and her brother, Donovan Lambertus.