Lauren J. Sanders

Lauren Joanne Sanders, daughter of Richard and Joanne, returned to her Heavenly Father, in Taos, New Mexico, Tuesday, November 25th, 2008. Lauren, the first of three children, was born April 18th, 1961, in Saint Louis, Missouri. She spent her formative years moving around the United States with her family during corporate re-locations from Missouri to California to Oregon and New Jersey, then back to her beloved Golden State of California. Three and a half years ago, she came to New Mexico with her parents and young son, William. Lauren -- who spent a great deal of her life living in Camarillo, California, was a graduate of Rio Mesa High School in Oxnard California. From there, she studied business at California State University Northridge and received her bachelor's degree in 1983. Lauren worked for many years at Blue Cross of Southern California during which time she continued her education at U.C.L.A and became a paralegal. Years later, she would study and receive her Juris Doctorate from Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA. Lauren worked as a real estate attorney and entertainment lawyer, but her most recent position was with Novo Network Productions, working with dear friend Steve Murphy. Her duties included those of talent booker for Mr. Murphy's program, the Law Business Insider, and its companion cable show. During her tenure she worked regularly with the best and brightest of attorneys, politicians, authors and newsmakers covering the important issues of the day. Lauren's work provided her the opportunity to be a stay at home mom and devote precious time to the most important person in her life -- her six year old son William. Whether playing in the park with his host of friends, going to his Tae Kwon Do, ice skating, swimming lessons or reading and helping William with his homework, his first year in kindergarten -- her son gave her the most joy. Lauren was so proud that at such an early age her son was developing a love of learning, never missing a day of school this first year, looking forward eagerly everyday morning to get up, get ready and head off to school. When not devoted to William, Lauren enjoyed reading, spending time with her family and friends and working on her fluency in the French language. A fierce supporter of fairness in terms of the treatment of others, a great debater, yet, as her brother, sister, mother, father and friends will attest, she had a heart of gold and wouldn't hesitate to help others. Words cannot describe how much she will be missed. Lauren is survived by her parents Richard and Joanne Sanders of Taos, New Mexico, son William of Taos, a brother Richard, and a sister Leah, both of Lake Balboa, California, and a dear cousin Corey Warlick of Aurora Colorado as well as aunts, uncles, cousins and many dear friends around the United States. Memorial service was held on December 4, 2008 at Rivera Chapel. The Measure of a Woman Not -- How did she die? But -- How did she live? Not -- What did she gain? But -- What did she give? These are the units to measure the worth of a woman, regardless of birth. Not -- What was her station? But -- Had she a heart? And -- How did she play her God-given part? Was she ever-ready with a word of good cheer? To bring back a smile, to banish a tear? Not -- What was her church? Nor -- What was her creed? But -- Had she befriended those really in need? Not -- What did the sketch in the newspaper say? But -- How many were sorry when she passed away? --- author unknown