Lauren Sue Harkness

Lauren Sue Harkness died peacefully on August 12th, 2026 at Independence Village of East Lansing, at the age of 75. Lauren was born on April 1st, 1951, in Detroit, MI to Joan (Wood) and Llewellyn Harkness Jr. She grew up in the Detroit area, graduating from Redford High School in 1969. After high school, Lauren received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan in 1973, followed by her Juris Doctor from Wayne State Law School in 1976. On November 17th, 1976, Lauren was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan. She dedicated her career to public service, spending 31 years as an Administrative Law Judge and State Review Officer (appeals) in the Department of Education for the State of Michigan. Lauren retired in 2010 and enjoyed many years traveling, spending time with family and having the free time to do as she pleased.

Lauren was a beloved mother, cherished family member and a loyal friend whose spirit and kind heart touched all who knew her. She loved spending time with family in any setting, ideally on a Lake Michigan beach whenever possible. She was a lover of board games, particularly Scrabble where she was often considered ‘the person to beat’. At a very young age, she developed a love of reading and movies that continued throughout her life. One of her great joys was spending an afternoon at the cinema, frequently arranging her own double or triple features. She was an active member of the Edgewood United Church in East Lansing, where she sought to build up those around her and in the community at large. She was known for her strong sense of humor, sharp wit and keen moral compass. She found the silver lining to any dark cloud and brought her warmth with her wherever she traveled. Though she will be deeply missed, her love and laughter will live on in all those who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Lauren is predeceased by her parents, Joan (Wood) Harkness and Llewellyn Harkness Jr., siblings Llewellyn Harkness III and Kathryn Harkness Berry, Judy Ruppert – partner of Kathryn Berry, and niece Jennifer Lynn (Harkness) Birchmeier.

She is survived by her son Matthew Harkness, daughter-in-law Andrea (Coleman) Harkness, sister Beth Harkness, sister-in-law Marilyn (Lockwood) Harkness, nephews Llewellyn Harkness IV and Brett (Jennifer) Birchmeier, and niece Julie (McGee) Harkness.

She is also survived by her great-nephew Llewellyn Harkness V (LJ) and 3 great-nieces Jessica Harkness, Alyssa Birchmeier and Sarah Birchmeier.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Edgewood United Church of Christ, 469 Hagadorn Road, East Lansing, MI 48823, or the charity of your choice.