Lauren Erickson Van Wart, beloved wife, daughter, and friend

Honoring Lauren Erickson Van Wart

Lauren Erickson Van Wart, beloved wife, daughter, and friend, died unexpectedly on December 4, 2023. She was 44.

Lauren was born September 15, 1979, in Pennsylvania, the daughter of Janet Erickson of Hubbardston, MA and the late Ronald Van Wart. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband of 13 years, Ernest Joseph Cardin III.

Lauren graduated from the Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, a high school for academically accelerated juniors and seniors. She went on to become a Chancellor Scholar, graduating from the University of Pittsburgh in 2002 with a triple major in Mathematics, English Literature, and Economics.

She began her career as a classroom educator, and she spent nearly two decades working in educational publishing, developing mathematics curriculum to improve teaching and learning. Her colleagues at Curriculum Associates, where she spent over 9 years leading math editorial teams, celebrated her deep care for her colleagues and passion for making math engaging and accessible for all students. Lauren is remembered for the compassion, warm sense of humor, and commitment to mentoring others that she brought to her work.

Lauren’s commitment to supporting math learning continued outside of work, as she served for many years as a coach for a team of students in the Western Massachusetts American Regions Mathematics League, organizing practices and traveling to regional competitions.

Lauren was an avid runner and loved being outdoors with her husband and their dog. She is remembered for her playful and adventurous spirit by a community of friends who loved her dearly. She enjoyed trying new foods and exciting new activities like axe throwing. She loved music, comedy, and trivia nights, and she enjoyed exploring and sharing Lowell’s hidden gems. Lauren cheered her husband on as a volunteer at the Pan Mass Challenge bike-a-thon fundraiser for many years.

Lauren’s family will be honoring her memory on Saturday February 3, 2024 at 11:30am. Lauren was known to wear fashionable hats regularly, and guests are encouraged to wear a stylish hat that she would have loved to this memorial. Please no baseball caps. Visiting hours will be held from 9 to 11:30 with a service at 11:30 at the Dolan Funeral Home at 106 Middlesex Street, North Chelmsford, MA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Natural Resources Defense Council, Direct Relief, MSPCA-Angell, Animal Farm Foundation, and Pan Mass Challenge

ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com