Laura Ann Graham

Dr. Lauren Ann Sullivan Graham, PhD May 25, 1965 – March 12, 2026

Dr. Lauren Ann Sullivan Graham, age 60, of Medford, Massachusetts, passed away on March 12, 2026, in Boston, Massachusetts, from complications following surgery.

Lauren is survived by her devoted husband, Gary L. Graham, PhD, of Medford, MA; her parents, Michael A. Sullivan, MD, and Karen W. Sullivan of New Orleans, LA; her sister, Kristin Sullivan Johnson, MD, of New Orleans, LA; and her brother, Michael D. Sullivan, MD (Laurie), of Wilmington, NC. She is also survived by her niece, Erin Johnson, and nephews Ryan Johnson, Finn and Kellan Sullivan.

Lauren was a loving stepmother to Jove Graham, MD (Brooke) and Forrest "Fory" Graham of Clovis, CA. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to May, Kai, and Amara Graham.

Lauren was raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, and graduated from St. Martin's Episcopal School in 1983. She attended Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, graduating in 1987 with majors in Anthropology and Psychology. She went on to earn both her Master's degree (1991) and PhD (1997) in Archaeology from the University of Texas at Austin.

After completing her studies, she laid down her hair dryer and pearls to excavate archaeological ruins in the jungles of Belize, beginning a lifelong passion for the ancient Maya. Over the course of her distinguished career, she became a leading Mayan archaeologist and a recognized world expert in Mayan ceramics.

Lauren served as Professor of Archaeology at the University of Massachusetts Boston and Tufts University. She spent over four decades as a beloved teacher in the classroom as well as archaeological field schools in Belize. Lauren published over four dozen scientific articles and book chapters about Maya ceramics. She introduced generations of students to hands-on archaeological research, inspiring many to pursue careers in the field, and helping train some of today's leading Mayan archaeologists.

Even more memorable than her academic achievements was Lauren's warmth, generosity, and vibrant spirit. She was the epitome of Southern hospitality. Having learned to cook in New Orleans, she delighted in sharing wonderful meals with family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues. She was a loving wife, daughter, sister ("Sissi"), aunt, stepmother, and "Mimi" to her grandchildren.

Larger than life, Lauren was a dependable friend to many, known for her humor, compassion, and willingness to lend a helping hand. She left this world far too soon, with many more adventures ahead of her. Her family and friends in Boston, New Orleans, and Belize know she would want them to keep loving, laughing, cooking, learning, digging and rooting for the Saints.

She will be deeply missed and always remembered by those who knew her.

Private memorials will be held in Boston, New Orleans, and Belize.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Lauren's honor may be made to the Society for American Archaeology's Historically Underrepresented Groups Scholarship (HUGS) to support the next generation of archaeologists.