Lauren Michelle Atkins
May 20, 1976 ~ January 10, 2021
Lauren Michelle Atkins, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, went to be with her Savior unexpectedly Sunday, January 10th, 2021 in Fairfax, VA. She was 44 years old.
Lauren was born on May 20th, 1976 in Washington, D.C. to parents William Thomas and Irene Claire Gaffney. Her early education included study at The Langley School in McLean, VA and Mercersburg Academy, onward to Penn State, and ultimately transferring to George Mason University and achieving an English degree in 2001.
During her time growing up in Oakton, VA, Lauren thrived at several sports, was a skilled pianist, and loved dance music. She was a dedicated sister, and a warmhearted daughter. Lauren continued to be a shining figure in the lives of people who knew her, always ready to offer kind words, or very blunt honesty. Unmatched in beauty and kindness, Lauren’s legacy continues on with her children.
Lauren met Christopher Atkins, a military veteran and former intelligence community officer on July 12, 2008. They married, surrounded by family, on December 11th, 2009 at the Wayfarer’s Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. Soon after marrying, Chris and Lauren were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Evangeline Grace and Gwyneth Hope.
Lauren was a gifted storyteller, natural artist, and talented writer, having early pieces reach publication. She enjoyed the outdoors, camping, and international travel. She was a deeply passionate mother, and nothing mattered more to her than her family, which was evident to everyone she encountered. Lauren was a fierce defender of causes related to animals and veterans, also having owned a wide array of dogs, cats, and even a ferret over the years. She was an aficionado of non-fiction books, crime podcasts, and horror films. Lauren will certainly be remembered for her boisterous personality and extravagant sense of humor, easily making everyone around her laugh on a whim. She was a free spirit who refused to be tamed and will long be remembered for her eccentric greetings and purposeful attempts to exasperate those she loved. There are simply no words to truly and accurately describe her over-the-top personality, or the void that is left in the hearts of the many that loved her dearly.
Lauren is preceded in death by her mother Irene Claire Gaffney and her father-in-law Dr. Chris A. Atkins. Lauren is survived by her husband Chris, daughters Eva and Gwen, father William Gaffney, sister Rebecca Gaffney with husband James Levine, niece Scarlett Levine, and nephew Alexander Levine, and sister Victoria Gaffney with husband Kristopher Naleszkiewicz.
A celebration of her life will be held on Tuesday, January 19th. Flower donations can be sent to 171 W. Maple Avenue, Vienna, VA 22180. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the ASPCA, WWP, or the ASF. An on-line service option will be provided due to the current COVID attendance restrictions.
An additional service and interment will occur at Arlington National Cemetery sometime in the near future.
John 11:25-27
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though they die, yet shall they live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
She replied to Him, “Yes Lord, I believe…”
Lauren was born on May 20th, 1976 in Washington, D.C. to parents William Thomas and Irene Claire Gaffney. Her early education included study at The Langley School in McLean, VA and Mercersburg Academy, onward to Penn State, and ultimately transferring to George Mason University and achieving an English degree in 2001.
During her time growing up in Oakton, VA, Lauren thrived at several sports, was a skilled pianist, and loved dance music. She was a dedicated sister, and a warmhearted daughter. Lauren continued to be a shining figure in the lives of people who knew her, always ready to offer kind words, or very blunt honesty. Unmatched in beauty and kindness, Lauren’s legacy continues on with her children.
Lauren met Christopher Atkins, a military veteran and former intelligence community officer on July 12, 2008. They married, surrounded by family, on December 11th, 2009 at the Wayfarer’s Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. Soon after marrying, Chris and Lauren were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Evangeline Grace and Gwyneth Hope.
Lauren was a gifted storyteller, natural artist, and talented writer, having early pieces reach publication. She enjoyed the outdoors, camping, and international travel. She was a deeply passionate mother, and nothing mattered more to her than her family, which was evident to everyone she encountered. Lauren was a fierce defender of causes related to animals and veterans, also having owned a wide array of dogs, cats, and even a ferret over the years. She was an aficionado of non-fiction books, crime podcasts, and horror films. Lauren will certainly be remembered for her boisterous personality and extravagant sense of humor, easily making everyone around her laugh on a whim. She was a free spirit who refused to be tamed and will long be remembered for her eccentric greetings and purposeful attempts to exasperate those she loved. There are simply no words to truly and accurately describe her over-the-top personality, or the void that is left in the hearts of the many that loved her dearly.
Lauren is preceded in death by her mother Irene Claire Gaffney and her father-in-law Dr. Chris A. Atkins. Lauren is survived by her husband Chris, daughters Eva and Gwen, father William Gaffney, sister Rebecca Gaffney with husband James Levine, niece Scarlett Levine, and nephew Alexander Levine, and sister Victoria Gaffney with husband Kristopher Naleszkiewicz.
A celebration of her life will be held on Tuesday, January 19th. Flower donations can be sent to 171 W. Maple Avenue, Vienna, VA 22180. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the ASPCA, WWP, or the ASF. An on-line service option will be provided due to the current COVID attendance restrictions.
An additional service and interment will occur at Arlington National Cemetery sometime in the near future.
John 11:25-27
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though they die, yet shall they live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
She replied to Him, “Yes Lord, I believe…”
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I remember the day Lauren’s family moved into our neighborhood. We were so excited to have a family with kids join our cul-de-sac! Almost immediately our kids started to play together at the playground. Her girls were always outside and available to play and I could find Lauren on her back patio or front stoop, a friend to sit and chat with. At every neighborhood event, her family was there first, ready to party… I have such fond memories of our neighborhood Halloween parties, Easter egg hunts, movie nights, fireworks, parades, pizza parties…they never missed a single one! Over the last year I got to know Lauren as much more than a neighbor, we were true friends. With the isolation of Covid, I would often look out my front window in hopes to find Lauren outside, a friend to talk with. I’d toss a jacket over my PJs to go sit on her walk and talk the hours away. Our daughters would already be playing in the sweltering hot, in the chilly cold, in the ice and in the rain. Their friendship was a blessing to us both. Throughout these years I often prayed for Lauren. I felt the Lord pulling me to share the gospel with her, but I felt cowardly and afraid. When her family was set to move to the Philippines I felt like a failure, having never shared Jesus, the most important thing in my life with her. But then their appointment fell through and they didn’t move. I remember feeling like the Lord had given me a second chance! I began inviting Lauren to church events with me and talking more about the Lord’s workings in my own life. And I prayed for Lauren weekly from Acts 26:18. I was still afraid to talk directly about the gospel, but I prayed that the Lord would give me an opportunity. And that opportunity came in early October. Lauren and I were sitting around a firepit with friends when out of the blue, Lauren said, “Annie, I really need to talk to you.” We moved away from the group and she looked me straight in the eyes and said, “I need you to tell me about God.” For the next few weeks, we talked and talked and talked about who God is, how He cares intimately for us, and about His gift of salvation. She had so many doubts and questions, yet she yearned to know God and to trust in Him. Two weeks later as she sat on my back deck, she shared that she had prayed with Chris to accept Christ as her Savior and she had such a joy and peace that she’d never experienced before. My heart breaks for Lauren’s family at her passing, but there is such joy in knowing that Lauren is experiencing the greatest joy and peace in heaven with her Savior. On earth there are so many trials, worries, and fears, but Lauren is freed from all of that. And someday I will sit and chat with her again in the presence of our Lord together.
In memory of Lauren, as her spirit lives on…
Lauren was a dear friend of our son, Jamie. May they both rest in peace and be of comfort to each other. My heart goes out to all the family, especially her two precious daughters and husband. God Bless you all and I know she will remain in your hearts forever. Carol & Norman Hammer
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With deepest sympathy to Lauren’s family.
Like many others at Mercersburg, Lauren altered the four years we spent together in many ways. I will forever love our time together.
Lauren Michelle will be missed by everyone who’s life she touched. I will miss her desperately. Lovely Lauren may you be with your mother watching over all of us. Until we meet again.
I will always remember Lauren for her warmth, kindness, infectious laughter and friendship. Rest easy my friend. Until we meet again. ❤️
Bill, To you and your family, please accept my condolences for your recent loss. Bruce Mathis (KBR)
May your heart and soul find peace and comfort.
Lauren was a beautiful friend inside and out. When you were with Lauren, the day would just get better and the sky brighter. I will miss her greatly and cherish all of our memories, holding them close to my heart. She will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace my dear friend. I know you will be watching over all of us.❤️
Lauren was my friend. She was sweet and kind to me at school and tolerated all of my weirdness. I will never forget how she would draw tattoos on my arm for football games every Saturday so I would look tough. We would ride in the dryers at the Laundromat because, Lauren was about having fun and approached life with daring and wonder. She will be greatly missed by all and today the world is a little less beautiful. Rest in peace my friend.
We were all heartbroken to hear about Lauren’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the Atkins and Gaffneys.
Spent 4 years together at Mercersburg. Very sad that you have left us but will not be forgotten.