Lauren M. Bernier

It has been eighteen long years since you were taken from your family so unexpectedly. You would be very proud of your boys, Brandon now twenty-two and Evan now eighteen. Brandon will graduate from college. He will be employed as a Civil Engineer and Evan will become an apprentice machinist later this year. Miss you and your Mom every day.

Hi Lauren,
The last time you heard me talk I was a babbling four-year-old. At that age, you don't retain many memories. But, I want you to know that you have lived on in the stories that my mother tells. I'm 21 now, as is your son with whom I share a birthday, and I still think about you often. Rest easy, and know that remain in the hearts of everyone you met.

It has been seventeen long years since your were taken from your family so unexpectedly. You would be very proud of your boys, Brandon now twenty-one and Evan now seventeen. Brandon will graduate from college with two degrees in Civil Engineering in two years and Evan will become an apprentice machinist next year. Miss you and your Mom every day.

Lauren, you are so not forgotten. You live on in our memories all the time!! I think of you every day as I pass your old street. You brought such a joy to this world. Keep shining your perpetual love down upon us all. You left such a beautiful legacy. Love you!!

It has been a long time, since we lost you very suddenly. Today, Evan turns sixteen and is now much taller and heavier than his brother. He is about everything mechanical and loves technical high school. Brandon is now twenty years old and doing very well in college. He is on schedule to receive a BS and MS degrees in civil engineering in December 2025. You would be very proud of your boys. Miss you and your Mom every day.

Time has passed so quickly, since we lost you fifteen years ago. Brandon is about to complete his freshman year of college and Evan will complete his first year of technical school. You would be very proud of your boys in what each has accomplished. Miss you and your Mom every day.

It has been fourteen years since you were taken unexpectedly from us. I never had a chance to say good by. Brandon will enroll in college this coming fall to study civil engineering. Evan has been gifted with an exceptional intellect. He has researched and then taught himself to perform numerous activities. All this from a boy, who was not expected to survive do to lack of oxygen to his brain. We know he crossed over and was sent back to us from the many stories he told, when he was three years old. You would be very proud of your sons. Miss you and your Mom every day ~ Dad.

Our boys are 14, Lauren!! I remember swapping extras of onesies and baby goods, as you sat next to me in your final month of pregnancy and my preemie twins slept in the next room. I had no idea it would be our final moments together. You are forever in my heart! I drive past your old house every day on my way to the high school and I think of you. Be well, sweet lady and keep us all - especially your beautiful children - in your line of vision. Love you. Patty

Today marks thirteen years since you were taken so unexpectedly from everyone. I often reflect on how much you missed and how life with your family would have been. You would be very proud of your sons. Brandon is now a young man and Evan a teenager. I pray that you and your Mom are watching over your sons. Miss you terribly, Dad.

It is difficult to believe that twelve years has passed, since you were taken so unexpectedly from us. How your boys have grown. Brandon has transitioned to a young man and Evan is just behind him. You would be very proud of your sons.

Miss you terribly, Dad.

How the past eleven years have flown by, since your were taken from us unexpectedly. Your sons are maturing, especially Brandon. This fall he will be a sophomore in high school and will again be playing football. Evan has now developed a great interest in close-up slight of hand magic. Thinking of you every day this time of year. Miss you terribly - Dad.

Happy Mother's Day Lauren!!!

Beautiful Lauren. You were all over my flashback and timehop feeds yesterday. I prayed for you on my ride to work as I passed your old house. I miss your bright colors, infectious laugh and sarcasm. Hugs!!!

It has been a long ten years without you. I often think how life would be different for your sons if you were here with them. As each year passes, they mature into young men. Both are very bright and you would be very proud of them. They are very different in personality and appearance. Evan resembles you in every manner and Brandon possesses his father's character. Miss you terribly - Dad

It has been nine long years since you were taken unexpectedly from us on this date. I think of you each day and often wonder how life would have been for your family during the past years. As each year marches on, your sons continue to mature into young men. Brandon is transitioning into a young man and continues to earned first honors in middle school. Evan has your exact personality. You would be very proud of your young men. You are in my thoughts and prayers every day. Wish you were here to be with and experience your sons as they approach adulthood. Miss you terribly Dad

It has been eight long years since you were taken unexpectedly from us on this date. As each year passes, your sons continue to mature into young men. Brandon has earned first honors at middle school and Evan is the complete essence of you. You would be very proud of your young men. You are in my thoughts and prayers every day. Wish you were here to be with and experience your sons as they approach adulthood. Miss you terribly Dad

Remembering you, Lauren! You, your laugh and your brilliant colors.

It has now been seven long years since you were taken unexpectedly from us. You would be very proud of your sons. Brandon has matured into a very polite and compassionate young man, while Evan has your eyes and exact personality. You are in our thoughts and prayers every day. Wish you were here to see your sons mature. Miss you terribly – Dad

Thought of you a lot this week. You are still in my heart. I miss you.

Thinking of you Lauren, today and every day. Beloved friend. Your children are beautiful, like their momma!

It has now been six long years, since you were taken unexpectedly from us. Your boys ask me about you all the time. How they have grown this past year. You would be proud of them as they have different gifts and very different personalities. Brandon is very sensitive to the feelings of others. Evan is very independent, competitive, inquisitive and never stops talking. Miss you terribly. ~ Dad

Wow! 5 years. How did that happen? You will forever be in our thoughts Lauren.

Missing you Lauren. This weekend, I will celebrate the fifth birthday of one of your two beautiful sons. As well, I will be thinking of you, as I have been so much lately...of our last visit together when you met my boys for the first time and Emelia and Brandon bickered over the train set and we laughed and laughed. A photo of you hangs on the wall in our teacher's room. There isn't a day that I don't glance at it and wish I could have one more day. Be well in heaven and know that your children are doing so amazingly well. love Patty

It has been five long years since you were taken unexpectedly from us. You are in our prayers every day. The boys know all about their Mommy in Heaven and have pictures of you in their rooms. You will never be forgotten. Miss you terribly. ~ Dad

Thought of you today and smiled. It doesn't seem possible that four years have passed. You were a beautiful example of how to live your life with compassion, love and kindness. I know someday that we will see each other again. Until then my friend... I miss you.

The years may come and go but the wonderful memories of you at JFK will stay around forever. Still thinking about you 4 years later...

Thinking of you still, all the time, Lauren. Your special garden at Kennedy is blooming, as are your beautiful children.

Another year has passed since you were taken unexpectedly from us. The boys know that you are in Heaven and are watching over them. Also, that one day they will be reunited with you. I think of you each day. Miss you terribly.

Dear Lauren,

GOD Bless You, and May He Always Give Strength, Comfort, and Encouragement to Jay and Your Sons: it was an honor and a privilege to serve with SSgt Bernier--I remember how wonderful it was when we all got back from our 2003 deployment, how happy your husband was to be back with you and Brandon...

You will always be remembered Lauren, GOD Bless You and Give Comfort and Strength to All Your Loved Ones...

It has been three long years since we lost you. You're gone but not forgotten in our hearts. Brandon knows you are "everywhere and we can't see you because you are invisible". Evan knows you from the many pictures that are displayed in my home. Miss you terribly.

Thinking of you Lauren. All the time, you pop up in our thoughts. Time doesn't lessen our memories of you. Love you. Miss you. xxoo Patty at JFK

I just found out about Lauren. I remember Lauren from working with her at Lake Compounce 20 years ago when we were kids. I remember her smile most of all. She was so funny.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

i just found out that lauren had passed on. lauren was one of the managers on our basketball team at anna maria when i was there playing on the team. although i have not seen her in many years the news was still a shock. to her family i am sorry.

TO all the loved ones of a wonderful woman.
I loved her very much she was my teacher for three years. We will miss her. May god be with you in your time of need.

I am so very happy to see that this little dedication to Lauren is still maintained. As Patty Pettit said, the halls of Kennedy are just not the same without her. There is nothing to look forward to on different occasions of the year, as we always used to look forward to see how Lauren dressed in celebration of events. What a bright ray of sunshine she was! Mr. Melican, seeing you at her memorial at school today was such a joy for me. It was seeing a part of this wonderful woman who will forever be in my heart.

Dear Jay, Brandon, Evan and Mr. Melican,
Lauren is still thought of all the time. The halls of Kennedy just aren't the same without her. I hope it helps, in some small way, to know that she is not forgotten. In fact, Kennedy will be dedicating a memorial in her honor next week. She will have a permanent place with us at the school. The project was the work of Pam Aldi, the school's vice principal, and several of her closest friends.
Her legacy is eternal at Kenneday.
Sincerely, Patty Pettit

Mrs. Bernier was one of the kindest, most sincere people I ever met. She was truly a gifted individual. From her kindness and inspiration, I have the ambition to become a teacher because of what she showed me. While working with her classes, she taught me how to be not a teacher but a friend to all students. She was and still is the inspiration for all I do academically. I miss her.

There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of Lauren. She was such an incredible woman with an amazing personality and I miss her dearly. She will forever be in my heart.

To the family and loved ones of this wonderful woman. You have my tears she was my teacher for all 3 years in middle school I loved her with all my heart and alwats will

may god be with the Bernier family

Dear Mr. Bernier and sons,
i worked with Mrs. Berniers class last year in my 8th grade year at jfk and part of my 7th grade year. im now in the 9th grade and i still havent and never will be fully able to recover from this. this year i am making my confirmation and i am choosing my confirmation name to be lauren in her honor. my thoughts are with you all stay strong.
Kristen B. (A Student)

Jay,
I am so sorry to hear about Lauren. I was looking in here for someone else and was shocked to see this. I know there are absolutely no words to comfort you or ease your pain, just know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your children and if you need anything please don't hesitate to call.

Chrissy (Montgomery) Green

Dear Jay, Brandon and Evan,

I just wanted to express my deepest sympathies to you and your family on the loss of your beloved Lauren. I taught with Lauren at Kennedy Middle School. Lauren was one of the best teachers I have ever known. Her dedication to the students was second to none. I greatly admired and respected Lauren for being a great person, teacher, and mother. I got to know Lauren on a personal level during our time spent together at lunch. Lauren would entertain us with her bubbly personality. She would light up when telling stories about her beloved Brandon. I always enjoyed this time we shared together. Kennedy Middle School will never forget Lauren and her many talents.

Please know that we are thinking of you!

Sincerely,
Dana Colaccino

Dear Jay, Brandon, and Evan

I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Lauren at JFK from Spring 1998 to Spring of 2001. Laruen's bubbly personality was contagious, and her committment to her students and profession was second to none. She always had a smile to give and an ear to bend if you needed it. I enjoyed monitoring ISS since the room was connected to Lauren's. Her lessons were always upbeat and humorous.
Although I have since moved from the area, I have often thought of Lauren, especially during any holiday. That is when her classroom and wardrobe would take on whatever holiday was being celebrated!!
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear Jay,Evan,Brandon and Bill, as you are aware Lauren was one of my closest and dearest friends. She taught me so much both professionally and personally. I will never forget her and all the fond memories we have shared. She was by far the best teaching partner I ever could have asked for. She will forever live in my heart. I plan on seeing you guys often, and helping in any way that I can. I love you guys!!!!! Love, Debbie Blitz

Dear Jay, Brandon, & Evan,
I first met Lauren when she came to JFK in 1995, and we hit it off right from the beginning. I started out as her department chair, and she ended up being mine. I couldn't have worked with, or for a more professional person and friend. She had a very special "spark" and was able to pass that along to whom ever she met. Her family meant the world to her; Brandon and Evan had a very special mom. She will be missed so very very much. I know these simple words can never really convey the impact Lauren made to the JFK staff and to me personally, but please know that my thoughts are with you all as you cope with this tragic loss. In deepest sympathy, Laurie Smedberg

Dear Bernier family,
i will always pray for you and your family you all are in my heart for the rest of my life.

Jay & family,
Lauren was a wonderful, kind hearted young women who will be missed dearly. God bless you, Brandon & new little Evan and the whole family during this time of loss. Take with you the time you had, the special love and wonderful moments you shared.
Wally & I along with Heather, Laura & Ashley are sending you our love and sympathy. With the deepest sorrow & regret that we were not there with you during this time and only just heard of your loss. Please know we are here for you if you need us and if you ever need any help with the boys don't hesitate to let us know.
Although we hadn't gotten together much these days we will truly miss Lauren's smile, hugs and greeting each time we would run into each other.
We love you all!

To Jay, Brandon, Evan and Father Bill along with all relatives.

Words cannot express our sympathy of the loss of a loving wife, mother and daughter like Lauren.

Dear Jay & Family members,
Our sympathies for the loss of a very special and dear person Lauren -May God give all of you the courage and strength to get through this most difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We watched Lauren grow from a child to a beautiful & caring Women. Lauren will be missed by all who new and loved her for who she was.

Dear Jay, Brandon and Evan,
You are in our thoughts daily. The Rosin family was lucky to know Lauren in many ways; that of tutor, colleague, neighbor and friend. She never failed to amuse and impress us with her sense of style and sensitivity. While her assertiveness was a large part of her, she was always a good listener. That combination is rare. These are a few of her gifts for which she will be missed. Lynn Smith said it well, "we were lucky to have her for the short time that we did." As a family, we are grateful,yes, but, grieving also. Jay, we are here for you...for whatever you may need.
Gail, Paul, Patrick, Eric and Meghan Rosin

Dear Bernier Family,
I worked with Lauren for several years at JFK and I can honestly say that she was one of the most special people I have ever known. I am so sorry for your loss and please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. -Josh Shifrin

Dear Jay,
although we have never met, i feel as if i know your family. Each day at summer scoring, lauren and I would walk outside for some sunshine and she would call you at home. i would often tease her about how "wonderful" you must be as she surprised you with the information that so and so was coming to dinner that night so would you clean this and pick up that....she always sommented on how great you were. that was easy to see as her face lit up whenever she called home during those scoring weeks. i will miss her smile, her unique style and her genuine love of life. i am so sorry for your loss, it is a loss to us all.
Roxanne

Jay, Brandon, Evan, Mr. Melican & all of Lauren's family-
I am so very sorry for your loss. Lauren will be sorely missed. I had the pleasure of meeting Lauren when I started working at JFK in 2005. I have always looked up to her and truly enjoyed knowing her. We are all so blessed to have known someone so wonderful. She truly was one of a kind. I enjoyed hearing her speak so wonderfully about her family and the precious memories she had of her mother. Just remember while we are mourning, heaven is rejoicing. My thougths and prayers are forever with you all.
Michele Cozzolino

Dear Jay and family,
I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to all of you. Your loss will also be felt at JFK. My son worked as a para after he graduated from college. Lauren helped him immensely with working with special ed students. He and I thought very highly of her. We must be grateful that we had her in our lives; even if for such a short time.
Sincerely,
Lynne Smith

Dear Mr. Bernier and Family,
This was my first year at JFK and I was very nervous about going to Middle School. But, then I met Mrs. Bernier and all of my worries seemed to disappear. Mrs. Bernier was very nice to me and always made me feel comfortable especially when things seemed difficult for me. She would always find a way to somehow make me understand. I felt comfortable coming to her and asking for her help. I want you to know how grateful I am for having Mrs. Bernier as a teacher. I appreciate all the help she has given me this year, I will never forget her and I will miss her very much!!!
Sincerely,

Dear Jay, Brandon, and Evan...Lauren was an unforgetable young woman...just as she was an unforgettable little girl....
I first met Lauren in 1977 when her mom brought her to first grade at Hatton School...I was her teacher, and I remember a beautiful, dark haired bouncy little girl; very animated and happy. I next met Lauren in 2001 when I came to work at Kennedy..and honestly, she really hadn't changed much! Lauren will always be in my memory as laughing, energetic, loving and vibrant! I hold my memories dear, as we all held her dear.
Lauren will be in our hearts and loved for eternity..she was some special gal.
Thinking of all of you,Jay for now and forever..much love and prayers ..Karen B. Smith (JFK)

to the famiy of laurner bernier.i had mrs. bernier as a teacher in middle school i am now out of high school for 5 yrs now i still think of her she made abig difference in my life and was an inspiration to me she will be greatly missed

To Jay, Brandon, Evan, Mr. Melican and all that knew and loved Lauren Melican Bernier,
Words cannot express the sense of loss and deep sadness that we are all feeling. Lauren was one in a million. She had a special gift. She was a loving wife, mother, teacher and friend. I remember the day she met Jay at JFK, sneaking around the building just to get another look at him. "Did you see him? Where did he go?" And the rest is history. Our memories of Lauren are happy ones. God must have needed another angel...but if he thinks she'll be happy with white wings...he dosen't know Lauren!!!!
Our loss is heaven's gain.

Lauren's Family,
Lauren was a special spirit that brightened all our lives at JFK. Her enthusiasm was infectious. I have posted a picture of her with Chris Boulanger and I taken several years ago on Dr. Seuss' birthday. We will all carry a piece of her beautiful spirit in our hearts forever.

To the Bernier family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Our daughter had lauren many years ago when she was a student at Kennedy. She always had words of encouragment and praise for the children that she taught. Because of Lauren our daughter has a successful career with the airline industry. She was a amazing women, full of laughter. She made learning fun.Our sympathy goes out to your entire family. along with your beautiful boys. God Bless you always!!

Dear Jay, Mr. Melican, Brandon and Evan:
To think of Lauren is to think about a strong, confident, caring, and loving person. To think of Lauren is to see a teacher guiding children with disabilities and giving it her best to make a difference in their lives and for the betterment of society. To think of Lauren is to see a caring and nurturing mom building a family and living the American dream. To think of Lauren is to see the love of family as she coordinated the Disneyland Mickey Mouse clothes for Brandon and Jay to wear to a party. To think of Lauren is to see a natural tendency to care for others. To think of Lauren no longer here with us on earth is unthinkable. We will miss her dearly. We must do all we can to continue her goodness and her kindness because that is surely what she would expect from us to do. God unfortunately takes only the best for his angels in heaven. We will miss her greatly but we need to provide support and love for her loved ones remaining here with us on earth. May Lauren rest in peace and know that her friends and family will be trying to fulfill the same great devotion she had for life's challenges.
Submitted respectfully with love,
Peter, JoAnne, Neil and Anthony Picone of Southington CT

To Mr.Bernier
I wanted to let you know that I was very sorry to hear about Mrs. Bernier. If you are wondering who I am, I am one of Mrs. Bernier’s old students. I just want to let you know that your wife was one of the best teachers that I had. I could not wait to see what I was going to do in your wife’s class when I was in 7th and 8th grade. In closing I just wanted to let you know that I am very sorry for your loss and will keep your family in my prayers.. I will never forget your wife as one on my teachers ... Thank you for the opportunity to write my thoughts to you.
A former student -
Vanessa G. Joyce

P.S. My mom wants you to know that Mrs. Bernier was very special, and that it was a gift to have known her.

To the Bernier Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. When I first started substitute teaching in the Southington schools, I had the pleasure of working with her. I saw her passion for teaching, life, and others. Her life was well spent and she will be greatly missed by all those who has the honor of knowing her. May God truly bless and keep you in the shelter of His wings.

To the Bernier Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May you look back on the good times and remember all that she brought to your life. God Bless You!
(H.C.C.)

Dear Jay, Brandon, and Evan,
Words simply cannot express enough sympathy for the loss of such an incredible person. I had the privilege of being Lauren's coworker and friend at Kennedy Middle School. I would not have gotten through the death of my mother without Lauren's help. I, too, lost my mother to cancer while pregnant, and Lauren was the only person that I was able to open up and talk to. Her honesty and compassion were without limits. Not only was she an incredible friend and teacher, she was also an incredible mother. Although she will be sorely missed, I am honored to have had the opportunity to know her. When I imagine her now, I see her in Heaven in her mother's arms. Please let me know if I can be of any help to your family. Thank you, Jen Paul

Mr. Bernier,
There are few words to express our sympathy for you and your family at this time. As past students at Kennedy, we grew very fond of your wife. Please know that if there is anything at all your family may need, that we are happy to help. God Be With You and Your Family.

Jay I am so sorry to hear about Lauren. If you need anything, even if it's just to talk give me a call. You are in our prayers.

Tom Cook (semper fi)

To the Bernier Family,
I am SO sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of getting to know Lauren by working with her this year in my capacity as an education consultant from BESB. Lauren was so vibrant and passionate about everything. She was one of THE best advocates for students I have met in 22 years in the field. Lauren has touched so many lives that her loss will be felt for a long time to come. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I knew Lauren Bernier as Miss Melican then Mrs Bernier. She was a teacher of mine throughout middle school. I never met anyone like her, she was by far the nicest person id ever met. Not only did she help me get by in school she was there for my family as well. I remember attending her wedding and meeting her very kind husband on various occasions. Her kindness and joyful spirit are only few of the many great qualites she possesed and I will never forget her. Rest in Peace Mrs. Bernier, you will be missed.

To Lauren's Family,
We will all miss Lauren so much. I have worked with Lauren at JFK since she first started here. We have worked closely together on the BEST committee, where Lauren demonstrated how caring and giving she was, donating hours of her time to help our new teachers complete their BEST portfolios. Her expertise in this area will be sorely missed. Lauren and I sometimes shared rides to work in the mornings, always stopping at Dunkin' Donuts first. On one of those rides she shared with me how excited she was about going on the Polar Bear Express this past Christmas. She truly cherished her special family times. I will miss her enthusiasm, her holiday outfits, her compassion, her dedication, and her great smile! She has truly touched all our hearts.
Chris Boulanger

To Lauren's Family,
There are not enough words to express my deepest sympathy to all of you. You are in my thoughts and in my prayers.
I will always remember Lauren as one of my favorite childhood friends. Her memory will never be forgetten.

Dear Jay and family; I want to say how deeply sad I am to hear of Lauren's passing last week. A former student of hers and mine called to tell me and he extends his prayers as well. I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Lauren in the Spring of 2005 for a half year as the only male para at JFK> she welcomed me in as a part of the team and I learned to be a better para because of her. I have yet to enjoy a para job since leaving JFK. My memories include alot of what other people have said including the bright make-up, the flashy clothes and the respect she demanded from her classes as well as the generosity she showed the students and staff she worked with all year round. I remember on several occasions where she gave some of your old clothes to a couple of the boy's in her 8th grade class. I will miss her very much as will everyone else she came in contact with.

Thank you for being the nicest human being we have ever met. Thank you for touching our lives. We have wonderful disney reminders in our home from your kindess and wonderful heart.

To Lauren's Family,
There are no words that can comfort you at a time such as this. I do however want to share a memory I have of Lauren. I think it speaks to the person that she was and the spirit that she still is. My son is a special education student. When he was transferring to JFK from William Strong, Lauren attended his end of the year PPT. This is standard practice since she was the department chair. I had the chance to meet her and my impression was "this woman really knows her stuff". A few months later (during summer vacation). I was walking in the Meriden Mall and passed Lauren. She stopped me. She asked how my son was doing and if he was looking forward to starting school at JFK. She then told me that she had reviewed my son's file and saw a letter I had written. The letter was about my son's special education teacher at William Strong. I wrote the letter to express my thanks to the teacher for all that she did for my son. Lauren thanked me for writing the letter. She told me it was beautifully written. She told me that letters such as mine really make a difference. She said they encourage teachers. She also said the letter would stay in the teacher's file. It sounds so silly that I clearly remember that day. But I do. I remember thinking, this woman only met me once, she remembers me, my son, and a letter I wrote to someone else. I felt important that day. I can only imagine how important her students felt. I like all who knew or met Lauren are deeply sad to know the world no longer has this amazing woman. I know as her family the pain must seem unbarable. I pray for you and hope that time and love will help. With Deepest Sympathy, Lynn Mayo

JJ and family we are sorry to here about lauren. you are in our thoughts and prayers. if you need anything we are only a phone call away.

To Jay, Brandon,Evan and Family
My deepest and heartfelt condolences to all of you. Lauren was an amazing person, bright and unique. She was so special to everyone; she was someone who I looked up to. I feel so proud to have known, worked and shared laughter with her at JFK. Lauren was a dedicated educator and an advocate for those students to whom she taught. As a parent of a child with special needs, her drive was an inspiration. I can't even put into words how much she will be missed.

To Jay, Brandon, Evan, and Family,
I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Lauren during my time at JFK. Her classroom was always inviting with seasonal decorations and books next to her rocking chair. I loved spending time in her room. Her beautiful smile and contagious laugh brighten everyone's day. I feel truly blessed to have known such a caring and selfless person.She will be truly missed but never forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

To Jay and your little ones:
Lauren and I met in 1995 when she and I both came to Kennedy. We worked together as co-teachers. I was always amazed at Lauren's joy and zest for life. She was truly amazing. I also remember when she was introduced to you through Nancy Triano. Lauren's eyes would just glisten when she spoke of her new "boyfriend". We would tease her about her trips overseas to see you. Lauren and I also shared the love of colorful and seasonal sweaters. We would ask each other when it was okay to wear our Christmas sweaters. It always seemed to be the Monday after Thanksgiving that we christened those sweaters. We were constantly on the lookout for any sweater that would celebrate a season or holiday and then tell each other where we found them and deals we got on them. I could never keep up with her glitzy jewelry which was also one of her signatures. Her laugh gave us such joy. We always knew when she was gracing us with her presence as she glided through the hallways.
Lauren was one of those teachers that comes every so often and touches every life she came into contact with. She touched every new teacher with her expertise of the BEST program, gave advice to anyone who asked and she loved her students as her own. Lauren took her job very seriously and was passionate about it. I would always defer to her when a new Special Edcuation law came into effect because she was always on top of those laws. Lastly, I want you to know that my daughter just blessed our family with a grandson and Lauren and I were giggling over the pictures and remembering when my daughter was on Lauren's team. I am so glad that I was able to share that time with Lauren. She grew to be very special to me. Lauren will be truly missed around the halls of Kennedy, but not in our hearts. She was an angel and she now will watch over all of us. Our prayers will always be with you.

My deepest sympathies go out to all of Lauren's family. I'm a friend of Stephanie's and I've been told over the years how much Lauren meant to her and all of your family, and I am very sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Jay, Brandon, baby Evan and all of Lauren's family: My heartfelt condolences go out to all of you. I had the pleasure of working with Lauren for many years in her role as Special Education case manager/teacher and my role as DMR case manager. Lauren was such a wonderful teacher to her students. It never ceased to amaze me how much effort and care and of course love she put into each and every student. She was always so bright, both her personality and her physical appearance. Her clothing and accessories always brought a smile to my face and I would always have to comment on them. I will truly miss her. She was one of a kind. I pray that you can one day begin to heal from this loss and the memories you have will always be there to comfort you.

Julia Willametz was one of Lauren's 1st students to be tutored by her back in 1993,subsequently she became a cherished part of the Willametz Family. I watched her mature and grow and experience all the wonderful moments in a young woman's life. She was a beautiful person in so many ways . Lauren loved her family so very much and spoke of them often. We were also in the same neighborhood,and I drove past her home daily on the way to the SHS to pick up my daughter. Lauren would have Brandon outside playing and we would wave. The last day of her short and marvelous life ,I went by and she was walking in the driveway toward the backyard,with her back to me so I could not say hello. Late that evening I heard the many sirens and had a very bad feeling. When I opened the newspaper early Saturday morning and read the sad news I cried,cried on and off all day. I called Julia at college , to let her know ,too. Our hearts are broken and we support you and hold you up with prayers.

I had the pleasure to work with Lauren this school year through professional development. Laruen. She was a dedicated teacher, who truly loved her work. She was a wonderful person who made you feel like her friend the moment you met her, so welcoming and enthusiastic about life. She loved her students and she loved her family. She will be sadly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Debbie Nappi JAD teacher

I got a chance to really get to know Lauren this year as we shared lunch and we were both pregnant together. I had heard that she was a phenomenal person from all who knew her well. I proved that for myself. She loved her family and constantly shared stories about her life with Jay and Brandon. My all time favorite had to be Brandon's response when Lauren found out she was pregnant and asked him if he wanted a baby brother or sister. Brandon's response? "No, thanks". She will be sorely missed and my family is praying for you Jay and Brandon and baby Evan. Devastated doesn't begin to describe how I feel and no one can even imagine what you are going through. I hope you draw strength from the wonderful memories that you have of Lauren and the belief that the Lord never gives us more than we can bear. God be with you, Jay.

Mrs. Bernier was a phenomenal teacher. Helping in her class was always the highlight of my week. She always told me how lucky she was to be working in Kennedy. But, it was US who were the lucky ones, because we had the privilege to know her. I will never forget her crazy laugh, wacky jokes, and bright make-up. She was devoted to her family, students, and work. I can’t think of one person who knew her and disliked her. She was loved by all. My hopes and prayers are with Jay, Brandon, and baby Evan.

Dearest Jay, Mr.Melican, precious Brandon and Evan.

"God is great..even though sometimes life ain't good... and when we pray it doesn't always turn out the way we think it should..but we pray anyway"....

This new song release from Martina Mcbride is what has been going over and over in my mind since the tragic loss of my dear friend Lauren... Sharing lunch with her each day at Kennedy always brought lots of laughter. She was one story teller... and FUNNY!! I once spit my chocolate milk out over something she said...
All that she was will be forever embedded in my cherished memories of her... she was a friend to all...a loving mother, wife,daughter and grandaughter. Please know my prayers for God's strength and peace will be with you.
May the wonderful memories of Lauren stay forever in your heart and bring you great joy with each and every thought of her as time begins to heal.
My sincere condolences
Laura Maringola

Jay,
How sorry we are to hear of your loss. Lauren was a wonderful person and she will never be out of our hearts. God bless you and your family. You are in our prayers and we pray that the Lord will keep you strong for your children. May God be with you at this difficult time.

Our hearts go out to you in this tragic loss of your wife and mother.
I never met Lauren but she was my grandson's teacher and was much loved by him and his family.
We will keep your family in our prayers and hope that the wonderful memories you have of her will be comfort in the days ahead.

To Jay, Brandon, Evan, and family,
I can't tell you how sorry I am for your loss. In this case, we all lost a very warm, wonderful woman with a whacky laugh and the most colorful clothing and make-up anybody could ever get away with. Lauren always told me that I made her laugh, and I will treasure that always. She especially liked my articles that I would send to the Record Journal, the latest one being about Sanjaya and the American Idol. I will miss her laughing at me from the back of the library when I didn't even know she was there.
I hope that Brandon will be able to hold on to a little bit of Lauren in his memories, and someday you and he will be able to tell Evan what a great wife and mom she was and would have been. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, and I hope that you can find the strength to get through this very difficult time.

To the family & Lou I'm so sorry to hear about Lauren. She was a wonderful person. I'm glad I got to know her. Jay my heart goes out to you and your boys.

J.J I am so sorry to hear about Lauren, I know no words can express what you are going through, I just want to let you know if you need anything at all please do not hesitate to call me, Tonya and I are here for you for anything, we love you and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

JAY,I'M REALLY SORRY FOR YOUR LOST.I NEVER FORGET LAUREN.SHE WAS SO NICE A HAPPY.WE PRAY FOR YOU.

There are no words to express my sadness on this tragic loss. You have my hearfelt prayers . Lauren was a beautiful woman who will be sorely missed.

Jay, Brandon, Evan, Mr. Melican and all of Lauren's family,
I want to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of Lauren. As you well know, she was a beautiful and very selfless person, who made everyone she knew feel very special. She helped me through one of the toughest experiences of my life - the loss of my mother to ovarian cancer. Lauren was a phenominal teacher who was highly respected by all who worked with her. She loved her students and they, in turn, worshiped her. She will be dearly missed at Kennedy Middle School. More than anything else, however, she was a wonderful mother to Brandon, who she so lovingly called "East". She and I were looking forward to a summer of hanging around with our newborn babies and our first borns (who were born on the same day back in 2003.) I will miss her in all her amazing roles, especially the one of a loyal and loving friend to me. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Lauren, her bright smile and brilliant colors, will not be forgotten.