WAYLAND: Lauren Dunne Astley, 18, died on Monday, July 4, 2011, in Wayland, MA..
Lauren was born in Boston, MA, on April 1, 1993, the daughter of Mary K. Dunne of Weston, MA, and Malcolm L. Astley of Wayland, MA.
Lauren was a lifelong resident of Wayland and was a graduate of Wayland High School, Class of 2011. She was planning to attend Elon University in North Carolina this fall. She was an accomplished tennis player and was a member of the Muses, an a capella singing group. Lauren also studied French horn, with Pam Paikin of Wayland, and played in the Metrowest Youth Symphony Orchestra. For eight years she attended the YMCA Camp Nellie Huckins in Freedom, NH, as a camper and then as a counselor. In 2006 Lauren excelled in the leading role in Annie at the Weston Friendly Society of the Performing Arts. She was also avidly interested in the fashion business, valued her work at the Natick, MA, clothing store, 344, and was skilled in customer relations and sales. She was an active member of the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church of Wayland where she sang in the children’s choir, took part in the Youth Group, and also volunteered on several trips to help with rebuilding in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. She could drive a “stick” shift.
Lauren was a self-possessed young woman of energy, hope, and caring, who lived her life with laughter and to the fullest.
In addition to her parents, Lauren is survived by her maternal grandmother, Patricia (Dennen) Dunne of East Falmouth, MA. Lauren also leaves many other relatives, including her aunts, Anne Hourihan, wed to Jerry Hourihan of Walpole, MA, and their children, Daniel and Michael; Barbara Paulsen, wed to Bruce Paulsen of New York City, NY, and their daughter, Anna; Kathleen Dunne, wed to Bruce Lavarusa of Long Island, NY, and her sons, Brian and Matthew DeSantis. Lauren also leaves her uncles, Robert Dunne of Long Island, NY, and Mason Royden Astley of Worcester, MA, wed to Christine (Bruce) of Worcester, MA, and their children, Mason Mills Astley of Boston, MA, wed to Christina Mills Astley, and their son Alexander; and Anne Astley Padnuk of Sebastian, FL, wed to Ryan Padnuk, and their daughters, Arya and Leela.
A Memorial Service celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2011, at 11:00 AM at First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church in Wayland, MA, 50 Cochituate Road (Route 20 and 27/126), Wayland Center.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Lauren Dunne Astley Memorial Fund whose mission is the promotion of dynamic educational programs, particularly those in the areas of the development of healthy teen relationships, the arts, and community service. Contributions may be mailed to the Village Bank, 62 Boston Post Road, Wayland, MA. 01778.
It is requested that those who are attending the memorial service park at St. Ann’s Parish, 124 Cochituate Rd (Route 27), Wayland. Continuous shuttle service will start at 9:45 am from St. Ann’s to First Parish Church. Limited parking will be available at the Wayland Town Building, 41 Cochituate Rd and Trinitarian Congregational Church, 53 Cochituate Rd. Parking will not be available at First Parish Church.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the John C. Bryant Funeral Home of Wayland. For on-line condolences please visit www.johncbryantfuneralhome.com.