About Lauren

To live content with small means,
to seek elegance rather than luxury,
and refinement rather than fashion,
to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy not rich,
to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly,
to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart,
to bear all cheerfully,
do all bravely,
await occasions,
hurry never--
in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious,
grow up through the common.
This is to be my symphony.

---William Henry Channing (1810-1884)

This page focuses on who Lauren Interess was and the qualities that made her special to those who knew her. Select from the list of 5 links below and return here (using your browser's BACK button) to link to the others. These links are to some of the longest pages in this site. But they have a lot of information and many pictures, too. So please take your time and Remember Lauren.

Lauren, at about three

Mini-biography 1
	First given by her dad as a eulogy at the funeral service on October 8, 1999. Emphasizes the period from the autumn 1993 during her senior year in high school until the time of her death. Some overlap with mini-biography 2.
Mini-biography 2
	Begins with Lauren's college graduation and covers the last 16 months of her life as well as events that took place in the first few weeks after her passing. Some overlap with mini-biography 1.
Essay
	Written by Lauren herself, for her application to college. It describes some humorous real-life experiences that exempified her struggle for independence as a maturing young woman.
Letter
	Written by Lauren and recently found on the family computer. It is unclear why she wrote this, but the letter makes crystal clear what motivated her toward her goals.
Quotes
	Taken from several dozen letters sent by Lauren's friends to her parents and brother. The quotes very consistently describe someone who was passionate about nature, teaching, children, giving, friendships, and fun. Note: This page is a little different because it relies on text color to guide you. So please follow the instructions carefully when they appear and allow a few minutes to read what you see.