Lauren Grace McLaughlin, age 23, of Sandy Springs, Georgia, passed away on August 16, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of love, laughter, and an impact that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Born on November 7, 2002, in Atlanta, Georgia, Lauren was a beloved daughter, sister, niece, cousin, and friend. She attended St. Jude the Apostle Catholic School, Blessed Trinity Catholic High School, and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Georgia Southern University in 2025. Though her time with us was far too short, she filled it with more joy, kindness, and love than most people give in a lifetime.
Lauren will be remembered as the sweetest of souls — beautiful, bright, joyous, funny, and radiantly spirited. Above all, she was strong, and she had a rare gift of lending that strength to the people around her. So many who loved her will say the very same thing: “Lauren gave me my confidence.” She believed in people until they could believe in themselves, and her loyalty to those she loved never wavered — to be loved by Lauren was to know you always had someone in your corner.
She had a special way of lighting up the room with her bright smile, quick wit, and larger-than-life personality, and those who knew her will forever cherish the moments they shared.
Lauren is survived by her parents, Mark and Debbie; siblings, Michael, Patrick (PJ), and Erin, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who loved her dearly.
Her family takes comfort in knowing that Lauren’s memory will live on through every person whose life she touched — through every laugh she started and every bit of confidence she gave away. Although we cannot have more time with her, we will always be grateful for the time we were given.
A visitation celebrating Lauren’s life will be held on Sunday, August 23, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Sandy Springs Chapel, 136 Mt. Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. A funeral mass will be held Monday, August 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, 7171 Glenridge Drive, Atlanta, GA 30328 followed by interment at Arlington Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Lauren’s honor to the Atlanta Humane Society, Give Send Go at https://www.givesendgo.com/lauren-mclaughlin, or Meal Train at https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/z69n26
If you would like to make a memorial contribution through Zelle, please send to [email protected]. The recipient should appear as Donna Quinn. Please include “For Lauren” in the memo.
If you would like to make a memorial contribution through Venmo, please send to @Donna_Quinn. The account appears as Donna Quinn with a hand-drawn daisy. Please include "For Lauren" in the note.
Thank you so much for your love and support.
