FRANKLIN – Lauren E. (Power) Arms Ledwith, 53, of Franklin, died peacefully on Friday, June 23, 2017 at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston following a courageous battle with cancer. She was the beloved wife of Dr. James J. Ledwith, Jr. for 10 years.
Born in Boston on November 25, 1963, she was the daughter of William T. and Helen E. (Coleman) Power of Franklin.
Lauren was a resident of Franklin for the past 17 years and grew up in Norwood. She graduated from Ursuline Academy in Dedham, received an undergraduate degree from University of Hartford, and earned her juris doctor degree from Suffolk University Law School.
Lauren served as an advocate for abused women prior to entering public service with the state of Massachusetts for 25 years, most recently as the Director of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps) for the past 2 years. In 2016, National Association of S.N.A.P. Directors honored her with the Distinguished Service Award in recognition of her “unwavering commitment to reduce food insecurity and improving the lives of thousands of families, seniors, and persons with disabilities.”
Active in her community, Lauren served as the crew chief for the past 3 years at the All Night Party held for the current Franklin High School graduates.
In addition to her husband and parents, she is survived by her children, Julia Arms of Franklin; Allison (Ledwith) Glubiak and her husband Zachary of Palo Alto, California; and Michael Ledwith and his wife Jessica of Charlottesville, Virginia.
She is also survived by her two brothers, Richard and John Power, as well as her sister, Karen Gurley, and her husband William—all of Franklin. Finally, she is survived by her nieces and nephew: Nicole, Richard, Alyssa, Katherine, Grace, and Anna.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral Mass on Thursday, June 29 at St. Mary’s Church, One Church Square in Franklin at 11 a.m.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 5–8 p.m. in the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin, 131 Main Street (www.ginleyfuneralhome.com).
Burial will take place privately at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Franklin at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, Lauren’s family request that donations be made in her memory to the Franklin Food Pantry, P.O. Box 116, Franklin, MA 02038.