Sarah Jean Laughlin

Sarah Jean Laughlin, 51, of Littleton, Colorado, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2026. Born in River Falls, Wisconsin, Sarah carried her Midwestern warmth and kindness with her everywhere she went, touching lives.

Sarah moved to Colorado in 2000 in order to smother her first niece, Maya, with her love. She fell in love, married Rob Fries in 2005 and gave birth to the biggest gift of her life, Ben Fries in 2008.

Sarah loved her work. She served as a key leader of Business Intelligence at C.A. Fortune. She led a team of 15 category management professionals and supported insight and training initiatives across the company; she loved both her work and her colleagues/friends.

Sarah was a radiant presence — a bright light whose joyful spirit, wisdom, and enormous heart shaped the lives of all who knew her. She had a rare gift for making people feel valued, important, and deeply loved.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Rob Fries, and her son, Ben Fries, who were the center of her world. She is also lovingly remembered by her parents, Judy and John Laughlin III; her siblings John Laughlin IV (Madelyn Pearson) and Becca Laughlin (Jason Nefs); her nieces and nephews Bianca Laughlin, Elaina Laughlin, Maya Nefs, Isaac Nefs, and Stella Nefs; her mother- and father-in-law Judy and Bob Fries; sister-in-law Joni Marcoux; niece and nephew Allyce Lee and Brady Marcoux; and bonus cherished family members Mark, Julia, and Emily Maruska.

Sarah believed deeply in bringing out the best in people. She was happiest when caring for and serving others and she lived her life as an example of love in action. Her thoughtfulness, enthusiasm, and energy lifted those around her. Her guidance and wisdom impacted friends and family throughout her life. Music was one of Sarah’s great joys. She loved to sing and shared her voice as a member of the Denver Women’s Chorus. She also played piano, guitar, ukulele, and harp, filling her home with music. She found joy in waterskiing, scuba diving, backpacking, tennis, baking, gardening, and tending to her plants. But most of all, she loved caring for her friends and family.

Sarah was a member of Abiding Hope Lutheran Church, where her faith guided her life. Her spirituality was woven into her daily life, guiding her to love generously and live with compassion. Those who knew Sarah will miss her huge heart, her ability to see the good in others, and the way she made everyone feel special. Her legacy is love, kindness, and presence. If Sarah could leave one message behind, it would be simple and sincere: love each other.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Sarah’s honor to Ronald McDonald House, a cause that reflects her caring spirit. RMHC-Denver.org/donate. Just add Sarah’s name in the tribute line.

Sarah’s memorial service will be held at Abiding Hope Lutheran Church at 6337 S, Robb Way, Littleton, CO 80127 on 2/19/26 at 11am.

Her light lives on in the people she loved and the lives she touched.