Lauren Burke Smith was the kind of person who made the people around her feel incredibly loved. She was a devoted and loving mother to Burke, a wonderful wife to Stu, and a fiercely loyal daughter, sister, and friend.

After living privately with cancer for the past several years, Lauren passed away on September 24th with her family by her side. She leaves behind an enormous community of people who love her, but most importantly, the beautiful family she and Stu created together.

For those of us lucky enough to know Lauren, her presence changed us. She made people feel seen, cared for, and important, leaving an imprint that will not fade. So much of who she was will live on in Stu and Burke, in the family she loved, and in the friendships she built around them.

As we all begin to navigate a life we never imagined without Lauren, we want to surround Stu and Burke with the same care and support that Lauren gave so freely to others. We are raising funds to help with the unexpected expenses that come with her passing and to give Stu more space to focus on Burke as they find their way through the months ahead. If you are able to contribute, any amount will make a meaningful difference.

We are incredibly grateful for the support being shown to Stu and Burke. Whether through a donation, a memory of Lauren, or simply keeping them close in your thoughts, every gesture is a reflection of how deeply Lauren is loved and how much she continues to mean to so many.