Lauren A. Penta

Lauren A. (Cedarfield) Penta, age 63, of Mansfield, passed away, the way she lived her life, with strength, courage and always with a smile on her face. She died peacefully and comfortably at her home, that she loved so much, surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, November 20, 2025. She was the beloved wife and best friend of David J. Penta, with whom she recently celebrated twenty-seven years of marriage on November 14th. She was the devoted and proud mother of Emily R. Penta.

Born in Norwood, MA on April 7, 1962, she was the loving daughter of Ron and Barbara Cedarfield and the dear sister of Mark Cedarfield and his longtime companion Linda.

Lauren grew up in Mansfield and was a 1980 graduate of Mansfield High School, where she was actively involved as a member of the Hornets Marching Band and formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. She continued her education, graduating in 1984 from Wheaton College and later furthered her studies, earning a Master's Degree in Education at Rhode Island College.

A firm believer in education, Lauren retired in 2024 following a career that spanned thirty years as an Eighth Grade Science Teacher at the Harold L. Qualters Middle School in Mansfield. She loved the many students she taught throughout the years and built strong bonds with her fellow educators.

Lauren's greatest passion was her family and becoming a mother to Emily in 2000 was truly her greatest gift in life. Her favorite things included time spent at the beach, the feeling of sand between her toes, and the soundtrack of Jimmy Buffett playing everywhere she went. Going on many adventures, traveling with family and friends alike, up and down the East Coast from Maine to Florida was another one of her most precious times spent.

Lauren had a special place in her heart for her loved ones, including all her family cats throughout the years. She enjoyed gardening, whether it was tending to the plants and vegatables she grew at her home in Mansfield or admiring other creative gardens. Lauren will always be remembered for her love of seafood, especially having a "sweet tooth" for a delicious lobster roll whenever the occasion allowed.

In addition to her husband, daughter, parents and brother, she was the much-loved daughter-in-law of Robert and Joan Penta and the adoring sister-in-law of Michael Penta and his wife Trish, William Penta and his wife Stacy and Steven Penta. She was the cherished granddaughter of the late Roland and Viola Cedarfield and the treasured, loving, and special niece of the late Eleanore "Nina" Carlson.

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visiting hours on Tuesday, November 25th from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home, 55 North Main Street, Mansfield.

Her funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 26th at 11:00 A.M. at the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home. Burial will follow at the Spring Brook Cemetery in Mansfield.

In accordance with Lauren's love of teaching, please consider making a donation in her memory to the Lauren A. Penta Scholarship Fund. Contributions may be made out to CSF of Mansfield, Dollars for Scholars and sent to P.O. Box 23, Mansfield, MA 02048.

To send her family a message of condolence, please visit www.shermanjackson.com