Lauren E. Ledwith

1963 - 2017

Lauren E. Ledwith

1963 - 2017

Lauren Ledwith Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Jun. 26 to Jul. 7, 2017.
Lauren E. (Power) Arms Ledwith, 53, of Franklin, died peacefully on Friday, June 23, 2017 at Brigham & Womens Hospital in Boston following a courageous battle with cancer. She was the beloved wife of Dr. James J. Ledwith, Jr. for 10 years. Born in Boston on November 25, 1963, she was the daughter of William T. and Helen E. (Coleman) Power of Franklin. Lauren was a resident of Franklin for the past 17 years and grew up in Norwood. She graduated from Ursuline Academy in Dedham, received an undergraduate degree from University of Hartford, and earned her juris doctor degree from Suffolk University Law School. Lauren served as an advocate for abused women prior to entering public service with the state of Massachusetts for 25 years, most recently as the Director of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps) for the past 2 years. In 2016, National Association of S.N.A.P. Directors honored her with the Distinguished Service Award in recognition of her unwavering commitment to reduce food insecurity and improving the lives of thousands of families, seniors, and persons with disabilities. Active in her community, Lauren served as the crew chief for the past 3 years at the All Night Party held for the current Franklin High School graduates. In addition to her husband and parents, she is survived by her children, Julia Arms of Franklin; Allison (Ledwith) Glubiak and her husband Zachary of Palo Alto, California; and Michael Ledwith and his wife Jessica of Charlottesville, Virginia. She is also survived by her two brothers, Richard and John Power, as well as her sister, Karen Gurley, and her husband Williamall of Franklin. Finally, she is survived by her nieces and nephew: Nicole, Richard, Alyssa, Katherine, Grace, and Anna. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral Mass on Thursday, June 29 at St. Marys Church, One Church Square in Franklin at 11 a.m. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 5|8 p.m. in the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin, 131 Main Street (www.ginleyfuneralhome. com). Burial will take place privately at St. Marys Cemetery in Franklin at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Laurens family request that donations be made in her memory to the Franklin Food Pantry, P.O. Box 116, Franklin, MA 02038.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Lauren Ledwith's Guest Book

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June 18, 2025

Jonathan Heimberg posted to the memorial.

June 18, 2024

Jonathan Heimberg posted to the memorial.

January 12, 2024

Elaine Pimentel posted to the memorial.

Jonathan Heimberg

June 18, 2025

Remembering Lauren & her family with sympathy & friendship on the 8th anniversary.
Now, reunited with loved ones who have gone before and after her.
May perpetual light shine on all of them.

Jonathan Heimberg

June 18, 2024

Remembering Lauren and her family with sympathy & friendship on the 7th anniversary.

Elaine Pimentel

January 12, 2024

So sorry to hear Lauren has passed, Condolences from the Burke Family, Eileen, Cathy, Elaine and Paul

Jonathan Heimberg

June 18, 2023

Remembering Lauren and her family on the 6th anniversary with sympathy and friendship.

Jonathan Heimberg

June 19, 2022

Remembering Lauren and her family on the 5th anniversary with sympathy and friendship.

Jonathan Heimberg

June 18, 2021

Remembering Lauren on the upcoming 4th anniversary of her passing.

Jonathan Heimberg

June 18, 2020

Remembering Lauren on the upcoming 3rd anniversary of her passing.

Laura Mendelsohn Kuhn

August 15, 2019

Having lost touch with Lauren over the years, I am shocked and saddened to learn of her passing. Lauren and I were roommates at the University of Hartford. She was a wonderful, true friend, and a sweet, cheerful, and positive presence wherever she went. She was also, as one of her many admirers called it, "cute as a button," and well-liked by all. She was also incredibly smart and a hard worker. Of course, I regret not staying in touch with her, but I hope my heartfelt condolences may bring some comfort to the family, who must miss her terribly. I wish nothing but comfort and peace for you and yours.

Jonathan Heimberg

June 18, 2019

Remembering Lauren on the upcoming 2nd anniversary of her passing.

Jonathan Heimberg

June 21, 2018

I remember Lauren as a sister attorney, and as the wife of my long-time personal care physician (PCP). She was a courageous advocate for abused women, and fought back equally valiantly during her battle with cancer. May she rest in peace, and may her family be comforted. Death never robs us of the love and memories.

Kelly Love

July 24, 2017

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Lauren was one of the first people I met with when I joined UMMS because we shared a passion for improving SNAP. I work in health policy, but as a former SNAP and school nutrition recipient I wanted to try to bring SNAP in to the healthcare conversation. Lauren empowered me and lit a fire in me to continue this work--and I'll always be grateful for her kindness, her encouragement, and her advice.

July 22, 2017

So deeply sorry for your loss. May God's wonderful future promises console your hearts. (John 6:40)

July 8, 2017

May memories soften the reality that your loved one is gone. Persist in prayer.

Jonathan Heimberg

July 1, 2017

Dear Dr. Ledwith & family,

So very sorry to learn of the great loss just now. I know how much you have been dealing with, and please know that many caring friends are thinking of you during these difficult times.

May you be comforted.

July 1, 2017

The loss of a loved one can be very difficult please take comfort in God's word at 1 Cor. 15:22.

Kelly Hess

June 28, 2017

My sister, brother and I would like to send our love and prayers to Lauren's family. Lauren was an amazing friend to our mother, Trish Hess Cole. There was a group of wonderful ladies that would travel to Boston a few days a week talking, telling stories, supporting each other in good times or bad and sharing new recipes to try. Their laughs could be heard a mile from the station and many fellow passengers would stop to say they wanted to be part of their group. When our mother passed away, Lauren was extremely supportive to us. Her support to us and the unconditional friendship and love to our mother will forever be close to our hearts May you find peace knowing her dear friend Trisha will make her laugh again!
All our love ❤ The Hess/ Olson Family

Rev. Stephen Malloy

June 28, 2017

I want to express my sincere sympathy to all of Lauren's family and loved ones. May she rest in peace. Sincerely, Fr. Stephen Malloy

Kay

June 28, 2017

To Lauren's family and friends, extending my heartfelt sympathies on your loss. May you find comfort in knowing that God cares for you and will sustain you during this difficult time. 1Pet 5:6,7. I am so sorry for your loss.

Karen LaFrazia

June 28, 2017

We are all blessed to have known Lauren. Forever the optimist, she made you feel like anything was possible. And it didn't matter how much time passed between seeing each other, she would embrace you with that big warm smile that said she was glad to see you. She will be missed but not forgotten.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

In Peace,

Karen LaFrazia
St. Francis House

June 27, 2017

Dearest Dr. Ledwith and family,

I am extremely sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and family during this difficult time. May god wrap his arms around you all and I wish you peace and comfort.

Sincerly,
Tamara L. Cullen
UMass Family Medicine Residency

Roxanne Reddington-Wilde

June 26, 2017

My condolences to all of Lauren's family and friends who have lost her. She was a friendly, welcoming, helpful and upbeat person always with a smile on her face. I've known her through her invaluable work on SNAP issues, both at DTA, at UMASS Medical, and then, in such an excellent move by DTA, bringing her back there. We in the SNAP Coalition were all delighted to see our friend become the SNAP director.

I remember quite a few years ago, my first time walking through the Washington St., DTA Central office to deliver a letter or something formal from my agency, Action for Boston Community Development, to the deputy director at the time: I was feeling rather daunted. Suddenly, Lauren's voice rang out with "Hi, Roxanne!" I felt welcomed and put at ease immediately: what had appeared to be an endless floor of cubicles and bureaucracy shifted focus into one of friends and fellow human beings.

Lauren's passing is a loss to us all, but her memory continues to make us feel welcome.

Milagros Abreu

June 26, 2017

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Lauren Arms. Lauren will be truly missed. She dedicated her life to serve those in need. God bless her soul.

Tom Hedderman

June 26, 2017

Jim and Family,

I am the Director of SNAP in New York State and have known and worked with Lauren for many years. She was such an intelligent, beautiful and gracious colleague and friend.

I and the many people here in NY who knew and worked with Lauren are so deeply sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Tom Hedderman
Director of Food & Nutrition Policy
New York State
Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance

Nancy Dwyer

June 26, 2017

I worked with Lauren some years ago in Western Mass. when we were doing foodstamp outreach. I have been retired and didn't know she was ill. I so enjoyed working with her and this is a tremendous loss to her family, friends and DTA

My heartfelt sympathy

Calvin Mark Smith

June 26, 2017

I first met Lauren when she arrived at DTA - Our friendship went beyond the work environment. We may not have been as close as some but we did have some laughs and Lauren was (is) an amazing person and I have nothing but love and respect for her and will always remember her laugh and smiling face - my deepest and heartfelt condolences to Julia and Jim. Peace.

V K

June 26, 2017

My deepest condolences to the family for the loss of Your beloved. The loss of a family member is truly a difficult time. May you rely on our Father God who is "aware of our deep distress." Psalms 31:7

Patricia Hobbs (DTA)

June 26, 2017

I will always carry warm & respectful memories of Lauren in my heart. She was always such a powerhouse of knowledge and her drive and passion were truly admirable. She will always be remembered as a cherished treasure and a good friend. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers to her wonderful and loving family.

Wendy Kane

June 26, 2017

I worked with Lauren doing SNAP outreach to elders at several locations in Western Mass. Lauren was such a sweet woman, bright and kind and patient. She also showed wonderful compassion for the client community. I and other benefits staff at Community Legal Aid will miss her. My thoughts are with her family.

PattiAnn King Mayo

June 26, 2017

I am truly sadden for your loss. Lauren had a beautiful soul and was always seeking to help many people receive services now and for the future. I have worked with Lauren for years. Since what (we-Lauren and I) would call her "Bill Christy days." I have many fond memories of Lauren; from work, our days at the DTA conferences, just sitting down talking about Julia and how much she loved and was proud of her, we talked how much you (Jim) made her very happy, how much she loved the kids. I can honestly say she will be missed, she is loved, and the world is a lot less brighter without out her shinning light. My prayers are with you and your family at this time.

Cynthia Zabin

June 26, 2017

Still, there are no words.

Jim and Julia, I was so honored to have known Lauren and your generosity in sharing her last hours with us were priceless. Now it is my turn to offer whatever time, care or help you need. Please don't hesitate.

Karen Clark

June 25, 2017

Sending loving thoughts and prayers to the family at this sorrowful time.

ellen oconnell

June 25, 2017

so sorry to hear of Lauren's passing. such a sweet girl growing up. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.

Rachel Power

June 25, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with Lauren and her loving family. Love, Rachel

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Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin

131 Main Street, Franklin, MA 02038

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Sign Lauren Ledwith's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 18, 2025

Jonathan Heimberg posted to the memorial.

June 18, 2024

Jonathan Heimberg posted to the memorial.

January 12, 2024

Elaine Pimentel posted to the memorial.