1979 - 2023
Visitation
February 3, 20249 - 11:30am
Dolan Funeral Home 106 Middlesex St. Chelmsford, MA 01863
Funeral
February 3, 202411:30am
Dolan Funeral Home
Honoring Lauren Erickson Van Wart
Lauren Erickson Van Wart, beloved wife, daughter, and friend, died unexpectedly on December 4, 2023. She was 44.
Lauren was born September 15, 1979, in Pennsylvania, the daughter of Janet Erickson of Hubbardston, MA and the late Ronald Van Wart. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband of 13 years, Ernest Joseph Cardin III.
Lauren graduated from the Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, a high school for academically accelerated juniors and seniors. She went on to become a Chancellor Scholar, graduating from the University of Pittsburgh in 2002 with a triple major in Mathematics, English Literature, and Economics.
She began her career as a classroom educator, and she spent nearly two decades working in educational publishing, developing mathematics curriculum to improve teaching and learning. Her colleagues at Curriculum Associates, where she spent over 9 years leading math editorial teams, celebrated her deep care for her colleagues and passion for making math engaging and accessible for all students. Lauren is remembered for the compassion, warm sense of humor, and commitment to mentoring others that she brought to her work.
Lauren’s commitment to supporting math learning continued outside of work, as she served for many years as a coach for a team of students in the Western Massachusetts American Regions Mathematics League, organizing practices and traveling to regional competitions.
Lauren was an avid runner and loved being outdoors with her husband and their dog. She is remembered for her playful and adventurous spirit by a community of friends who loved her dearly. She enjoyed trying new foods and exciting new activities like axe throwing. She loved music, comedy, and trivia nights, and she enjoyed exploring and sharing Lowell’s hidden gems. Lauren cheered her husband on as a volunteer at the Pan Mass Challenge bike-a-thon fundraiser for many years.
Lauren’s family will be honoring her memory on Saturday February 3, 2024 at 11:30am. Lauren was known to wear fashionable hats regularly, and guests are encouraged to wear a stylish hat that she would have loved to this memorial. Please no baseball caps. Visiting hours will be held from 9 to 11:30 with a service at 11:30 at the Dolan Funeral Home at 106 Middlesex Street, North Chelmsford, MA.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Natural Resources Defense Council, Direct Relief, MSPCA-Angell, Animal Farm Foundation, and Pan Mass Challenge
ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com
Martin Gilman
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Deepest condolences to the family. It was an honor to know this fine young woman.
Charidie Timberman
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It is with deep sadness, that I share my condolences. I did not have the opportunity to meet Lauren but her kind, caring, and hard-working reputation preceded her. I have heard wonderful stories about the amazing woman she was. I pray that her family and friends are surrounded by love and support during this tragic time.
Suki H
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I had the honor of working with Lauren on one of our more complex projects at CA. Her intellect was only exceeded by her caring and thoughtfulness. May her memories be a source of comfort to her family and friends at this time.
April
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My condolences. My dad died on this same exact day, sadly. My heart goes out to the family during this difficult time.
Donna
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Lauren put deep thought and intention into every project she worked on and was such a kind and respectful mentor and person. I had the privilege of working with her and also considered her a friend. We lost a bright light on December 4th and she will be missed. Deepest condolences to her family.
Sivan
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My deepest condolences to Ernie and all of Lauren’s Family. You are all in our thoughts.
Carmela
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Lauren was a gem of a human with an editorial eye that rivaled the best of the best. She made me feel so welcome when I first arrived at CA. We worked closely together on the first edition of of our flagship core math program and it was always collaborative and fun. I learned so much from her during that time. In the years that followed, it was always a pleasure to catch up with Lauren in the office where we would pick up where we had left off.
I extend my deepest condolences to Ernie whom she spoke of with such love and admiration and her family.
Dixie
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My deepest condolences to Ernie, Janet, and friends. Lauren was truly one of a kind. Loved her humor and sense of fashion. She was a unique individual that will be missed.
Celeste Giraitis
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Sending thoughts and prayers for everyone, especially for my cousin Ernie, and Lauren’s mother Janet. Lauren had a kind and gentle soul and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.