Lauren Teodorski

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Lauren Teodorski who was indeed a born manager. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Lauren was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Lauren knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

Her parents were Frank and Dorothy Crul. Lauren was raised in Long Beach, California. Even as a youngster, Lauren learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.

As a young girl, Lauren was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren't supposed to. In other words, she liked to organize and direct. Lauren was raised with two siblings. She had an older brother, David and an older sister, Judy. Lauren had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Lauren, this was a natural order of life, one she gladly embraced.

Lauren's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during her childhood. As a young girl, Lauren enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Lauren took part in games with the neighbor kids. She was a brownie and a girl scout. In her spare time she liked walking the "red” line tracks.

In school, Lauren was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. She sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of her classes. She would eagerly complete her homework, and often put in extra study time when she felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Lauren was always good at following directions and meeting her schedules, whether they were set by her teachers or were self-imposed. Lauren's personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” She graduated from Long Beach Polytechnic in 1958. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was physical education.

Lauren was sociable and approachable. Because she was always so straightforward in how she approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. She enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Lauren was a member of a group, her interaction worked to keep the others grounded. She wasn't afraid to confront her friends and, when necessary, she challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Lauren came to expect her high standards of performance. While growing up, some of her best friends were Georgianna Shane and Murial Johnson. Later in life, she became friends with Muriel Girard and Sharon Eisenberg.

An objective and conscientious individual, Lauren reveled in the security of her family. On 1958 Lauren exchanged wedding vows with George Edward Milges at the Wedding Chapel of Long Beach. One of Lauren's most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family and friends.

Lauren was ever watchful of her children. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. She maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Lauren would give her stamp of approval to their requests, as long as she could see how they might benefit. She also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that her children were properly raised. Lauren was blessed with two children, one daughter Debra and one son Bill. They were also blessed with two grandchildren, Ellen and William.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Lauren was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Lauren was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, Lauren upheld her standards. Her primary occupation was transportation manager. She was employed for 27 years by Interstate /Pacer International. Lauren was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Lauren approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were reading, gardening, and shopping. Lauren was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Lauren used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that she made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Lauren had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included cruises to Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Panama Canal and the Caribbean.

Lauren was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Lauren's favorites where her cats: Jason, Coco, Patches, Garfield and Katie. All of her cats lived to be at least ten and they were best friends for that time.

Lauren passed away due to a heart attack caused by heart disease on January 10, 2008 at Inter community Hospital, Whittier, California. She is survived by children Debra and William, her grandchildren Ellen and William, her sister Judy her niece Susan and many other nieces and nephews. Services were held at Florence Ave Foursquare Church.

All who knew her would agree that Lauren was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Lauren Teodorski did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.