Lauren Suzanne Smith, (1978 - 2015) - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

Lauren lived life to its fullest with strength, wit, and humor. Celebrate the love and laughter that Lauren brought into our lives by sharing your favorite memories of her.

37 years old
Born on August 18, 1978 in Joliet, Illinois, United States
Passed away on December 26, 2015 in Washington, District of Columbia, United States

We created this site to pay tribute to our beautiful Lauren, who we lost way too soon. During her brave struggle, Lauren and our family were astounded by the outpouring of support. Even the head doctor on her floor during her hospital stay in December 2015 commented that he'd never seen so much love extended to a patient in his years of practice. In this same spirit, we would be grateful to and comforted by any friends, family, or loved ones who would help to fill this memorial by sharing stories, photos, and memories of our daughter and sister to create a tribute that will live on forever.

We hope those who Lauren touched will continue to honor her memory by doing things, small or large, that make the world a better place. By taking that extra moment to help a friend in need, volunteering time at a charitable organization, donating in Lauren’s name to her designated charity at joyfulheartfoundation.org, or just offering a smile to those who could use a bright spot in their day, a little bit of Lauren will live on in all of us.

With love,

Anne and Jenny Smith

Tributes

Leave a tribute

December 27, 2022

After many months of silence, this week you left me a glitter gift. You always do that. Just when I think Im at a crossroads or am in a funk the glitter appears. So many memories flooded my mind. It made me think of that last Christmas Eve dinner when you stayed up all night to get the shrimp stock just right so our cioppino would be perfect. What a meal! Also made me think that you’d probably be cooking up a storm in heaven while my dad stands by tasting and sharing his tips. So many thoughts of you since. you’re in my heart forever.

December 26, 2022

“There are three deaths. The first is when the body ceases to function. The second is when the body is consigned to the grave. The third is that moment, sometime in the future, when your name is spoken for the last time.”
― David M. Eagleman, Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives

To all of you reading this, thank you for keeping the spirit of my wonderful daughter alive. Both Jenny and I are touched by your remembrance of Lauren.

December 26, 2020

It is hard to believe Lauren has been gone for five years. It is, and always has been, easy to remember her the way I believe she would have wanted to be remembered: as a caring, compassionate friend; as a fun-loving person with a positive attitude; as one who accepted others for who they were without judgment; as an intelligent, dedicated, and valued addition to her workplace; and as an excellent chef. Especially during this past year, I have missed her ability to brighten my day. Rest in peace, my beautiful daughter.

August 18, 2020

Happy birthday my dear friend. And this one is a “meaning of life” one. Roll on the Monty Python jokes! Miss you Lauren and thinking of you today and every day. Sending love and ❤️

December 26, 2019

Today is always a tough one. Another year gone by where I think you left too soon. I often think of what crazy travel plans you have now, where would you have visited and how many more laughs we could have had. I know you’re watching over us just saying it’s all good. Miss you lady!!

August 18, 2019

Thinking of you today, as I do each day, and remembering you with such love and warmth it’s like you are right here with me. Sending birthday love to you on your special day.

December 26, 2018

In missing Lauren today as I've missed her every day for the past three years, I again ask that you honor her memory by doing something as simple as giving your child an extra hug or reminding friends and family members how much they mean to you. I would also ask that you consider using amazon's donation program to contribute to Lauren's charity of choice. This process is as easy as going to smile.amazon.com to make your purchase (or downloading their app to regularly go directly to this site) and requesting that a donation be made to Joyful Heart Foundation. Thank you for considering this option.

January 17, 2017

I feel like just yesterday we were having a family BBQ at grandma and grandpas for 4th of July. Aunt Lauren and Grandma were cutting and mixing up a storm in the kitchen and of course Grandpa, Uncle Dan, and Dad were outside grilling. I remember talking to Aunt Lauren how I wanted my own Bakery and wanted to be a pastry chef and she'd talking to me about all the great food shes had and made. That following Christmas I received a cookbook from her. I made countless cakes out of it even these amazing smores cupcakes for my brothers birthday; which everyone loved and gained 3 lbs. just holding the dang thing. The last time I remember using it was in High School. Until about 2 weeks ago my daughter pulled out from the bookshelf in the kitchen. I started reading all the cakes I made and the notes I made next to them. As I was looking my mom noticed and mentioned I should make something for the BBQ we were going to that weekend. I then proceeded to think about where I got and whom I got it from; which reminded me of the day I 1st met Aunt Lauren. I will forever cherish that flour covered, sugar glazed, and dyed book. We all miss and love you so!

December 26, 2016

. It's hard to think a year has gone by and yet it seems already like a lifetime since we laughed together over something silly and shared some great food, a good story and just hung out. Miss you today and always wonderful Lauren and will never forget you.

February 23, 2016

Lauren was a bold and lively presence in my office. A brilliant Communications Director with keen insight into Congressional politics, she was a valued adviser whose counsel I deeply respected.

This is not the first time I’ve lost someone close, but the pain of this loss is deep. I know and share the sadness our Hill community is feeling in the face of this untimely loss. Lauren was so young— she loved her friends so strongly and laughed with us so passionately. Lauren: We love you and will never forget your beautiful soul, smile and all the work you did for my team!

February 7, 2016

It was a wonderful experience having Lauren as part of the Honda family. From the moment she began, she brought her beautiful spirit, work ethic and linguistic talent to the office every day. Her time with us was much too short. She is already deeply missed, but I am so grateful for the time knowing her and learning from her. I just wished I had the opportunity to have seen her dance, but her laugh will always be with me.

February 5, 2016

I knew awesome Jenny, Lauren's sister, as a teenager. I had met Lauren and Anne, briefly. Always knew that they were an exemplary family. And now, to read the memorial comments, I find what a distinguished, devoted young woman that little blonde girl, Lauren, became. Now to humbly realize that I shared that beautiful little girl's childhood space and spirit. How can this be? So sorry and so very sad. You have my sympathy. Jesse Pearson's mom

February 1, 2016

Lauren was a beautiful and happy little girl. I clearly remember her playing and laughing with friends around her neighborhood in Joliet, Illinois. She has certainly made an important impact in the lives of all her friends and family and will be remembered with love. So sorry for her loss.

January 18, 2016

"And when great souls
die,
  after a period peace
blooms,
   slowly and always
   irregularly. Spaces fill
   with a kind of
   soothing electric vibration.
Our senses, restored, never
to be the same, whisper to us.
They existed. They existed.
We can be. Be and be
better. For they existed."
- Maya Angelou

January 15, 2016

"Our hearts go out to you, Anne and Sean, as you grieve the loss of your amazing child, Lauren. For sure, Lauren is greatly missed, forever cherished and always remembered. Sending hugs and love."
John and Coral

January 15, 2016

Lauren's giggle was a constant backdrop to our side of the office. I'd often catch her eye when she'd turn around to join in whatever shenanigans were going on. She was always lighting up the office with laughter and she was always the first to ask if you were okay. She always inspired me with her work ethic, her wit, and her dedication to life.

January 12, 2016

Sometimes, you are simply lucky enough to be gifted with an amazing coworker. Lauren had an infectious laugh, and an inspiring spirit that matched her drive to make the world a better and happier place. Her caring heart and sense of giving was admirable and beyond compare. To her, the people relationships mattered most of all. She always put herself last. We were looking forward to having lunch, once she left the hospital. I will miss the lunches and laughs we could've had. I could always count on her to share in our silly giggling fits. No doubt, Lauren is still giggling somewhere and looking our for her loved ones. Lauren - you are an original. We miss you so very much. You made it so easy to fall in love with you. May you find peace, wherever you are.

January 11, 2016

I feel so very lucky to have shared a cubicle wall with Lauren as I started off my fellowship in Congressman Honda's office this fall. She was eternally ready to brainstorm ways to turn pie-in-the-sky ideas into reality and was always cheerfully able to guide my writing to a more effective turn of phrase. I feel that any success I have this year will be due a great extent to Lauren.
I also feel so very sad to lose her so soon after we met. She was a friend I know I would have kept in touch with for the next 50 years. I miss the possible meals we didn't cook together and the trips we won't take.

January 7, 2016

My Dear Lauren. How blessed I feel to have called you a friend. While we didn't really know each other very long in the grand scheme of things, we became incredibly close. I will forever be appreciative of the times we spent together, (the laughter, the tears, the ridiculous inside jokes) and all that you taught me (from overwhelming politics to the classy 'stank' face.) You truly enriched my life, Lauren, and I loved you for it. I miss you and will continue to miss you every day but I am quite certain that you are still with me. Your light shines on, Pretty. XOXO

January 6, 2016

Lauren had the most beautiful giggle that I've ever heard; it made me want to giggle with her and of course I did! She was a guest at my home in the summer, while working in our California office. She had grace - a rare quality.
Her loss is devastating - she was a good fit for our office. She brought professionalism and years of experience.

January 6, 2016

I first met Lauren as a fellow with Congressman Mike Honda’s office—when she became our Communications Director.

I was immediately impressed by how very, very good Lauren was at her job. I’d been a reporter for a very long time, but I learned a lot about political communications from her. My favorite Lauren quote—just to be clear, she was mostly kidding—was when she told me: “In political communications facts are an interesting aside, but are completely irrelevant.” Or something to that effect.

I got to know Lauren quite well over 2015. More often than not, we were the last two in the office working on communications—the never-ending saga of rebuilding our press lists from scratch.

I always admired her sheer work ethic and dedication to duty—even when I knew she wasn’t feeling well. She’d never hesitate to drop everything to make sure the boss got his message out. I remember having to convince her to go on her vacation during the summer because she almost dropped everything for some press event.

I know you don’t believe in any of this, but I hope you’re in a better place—I’m going to miss you. Rest in peace my friend.

January 5, 2016

Lauren you're so great and everybody is heartbroken that you're gone. I really liked how you'd always give so much context to interns on their assignments and taught them little things about journalism. That shows that you really care and try to teach. You were also always incredibly funny and sweet and friendly. Your stories about Doug were some of my favorites. I think you are wonderful and can't believe that you're not here.

January 1, 2016

It's midnight and a brand new year. We've eaten and drunk amazing things. The fireworks are reining down. I want to call you and wish you a happy new year and share jokes about the alto sax player who played smooth jazz all night long. So many great memories. 2016 starts with mixed feelings of anticipation and profound sadness. There's a part of my heart gone with you. Sending love to you wherever you are.

December 31, 2015

When I married Lauren's mother in 1998, I had no idea how much my stepdaughter would favorably impact my life. Lauren, I will miss your laughter, our long phone conversations where you were genuinely interested in me and my life, your transparent love for not only your mother but also for me, sharing good times on vacations, and so much more. I was proud of you and to be part of your life.

Leave a Tribute

Recent Tributes

December 27, 2022

December 26, 2022

December 26, 2020

View all 24 tributes

Gallery

View all 158 items

The final Christmas

December 28, 2023

Knowing how much you loved both Christmas and cooking, and ignoring the fact that you were desperately unwell, you and I planned a Christmas Eve feast. The feast of the seven fishes. First course was cioppino- the wonderfully aromatic Oralian-American seafood stew. You guided Paul to make the stock and then hustled us home insisting it could simmer away without assistance. Little did we know that you’d stay up all night nurturing it to perfection. While the other courses were amazing, I will never forget the taste of this dish made purely with your love. Thank you my friend for making
our last Christmas meal together so memorable. I miss you.

The Little Tree

December 26, 2023

Those of you who knew Lauren know she loved the Christmas season, and she couldn’t wait to put up decorations every year. Despite her physical limitations, she decked the halls of her home one final time in 2015 to bring peace and joy to herself as well as to anyone who visited her. The small tree shown in the photo was the central focus of her display, including handmade ornaments that she cherished. In her memory, this same tree has been lovingly decorated every year since that time. May she forever rest in peace and continue to experience the joy of this holiday season.

August 18, 2023

Our family spent several summer vacations in a cabin on a lake in Wisconsin, which Lauren affectionately called “Stormy Lake Fish.” There were several other families there, and the kids had a great time playing in the water with inner tubes while frolicking at the sandy beach.One time, Lauren slipped out of her inner tube in somewhat shallow water, resulting in the surprise of her being totally underwater for a few seconds.When she resurfaced, it was obvious this experience was unexpected and frightening for her. Just as she appeared to be about to burst into tears, someone commented that she had just dunked, a word she thought was quite humorous. She then proceeded to go up to each person there and enthusiastically proclaim, “I dunked!” Each time she said those words, she started laughing, causing everyone to laugh along with her.This was the first time I witnessed Lauren laughing at one of life’s adversities, something she continued to do throughout her life.

Happy birthday to my wonderful daughter! May we all learn a lesson from Lauren’s way-too-short time on this earth and find the ability to recognize the humor in the minor misfortunes life throws at us.

Cookies are disabled :(

Tributes

Leave a Tribute

Invite others to Lauren's website: