It is with heavy hearts that we share, Lauren Scanlon Fizer, 76, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully at her home on July 29, 2024 in Sarasota, Florida.

Lauren's journey began in Lynn, Massachusetts on November 8,1947. She was born to her loving parents, William and Annabelle Scanlon (Westerdahl). As a child, she loved climbing trees with her brothers, playing with the neighborhood children, and cleaning houses for those in need. As a teenager, she loved shopping, dancing, painting and perfecting her hair, always aiming to create the biggest, most stylish beehive hairstyle of the era. She was always surrounded by friends, a constant in her life that brought her immense joy, as nurturing and cherishing friendships remained one of her greatest pleasures throughout her years. Babysitting and dreaming about falling in love were frequent topics of conversation with her best friend. It was this same friend who would eventually introduce her to the love of her life, setting the stage for her life's legacy as a devoted wife and mother.

At the age of 16, Lauren met her best friend and the love of her life, Charles Fizer III, with whom she shared 60 beautiful years together. Charlie often jokes that Lauren always knew how to get what she wanted, and she had her heart set on a future with him from the moment they were introduced at the high school water fountain between classes. Their love was like no other. Many would say Lauren not only loved Charlie – she adored him, and no matter what life threw at them, they always chose each other.

Lauren (Mimi) was cherished for her gentle spirit, compassionate heart, infectious laughter, welcoming nature, and her remarkable talent for making everyone feel at home. Her family was the cornerstone of her life's legacy. Known as the best gift giver in the family—if not of all time—Mimi had a remarkable way of always thinking of others. She found her greatest joy in giving, delighting in the happiness of seeing others enjoy and cherish her thoughtful gifts. Her happiest times were spent hosting family gatherings, writing, visiting New York City, traveling with Charles, enjoying bowling and Bunco, attending Broadway shows, and celebrating Christmas with her loved ones.When asked to sum Mimi up in one word, her family says – Love, warmth, giving, charity – home.

Lauren was known not only for her warm hospitality but also for her impact as a dedicated volunteer and generous donor. She spearheaded the Maitland Women's Club Fashion Shows since 1991 and eagerly looked forward each year to a ladies' day out with her family while attending. Lauren dedicated many years as a Guardian Ad Litem, advocating for children in need. She was truly everyone's beloved Mimi. Always in the giving spirit and caring about the greater need of others, Lauren was a generous donor of St. Jude's Research Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

To know Mimi was to love her. Her presence exuded strength, warmth, and a welcoming spirit, leaving an unforgettable impact on everyone she encountered. From the moment you met her, she made you feel like you were part of the family, and to her loved ones, she made you feel like you were her entire world. Her greatest wish was to bring people together, and we honor her legacy by continuing to do the same in our own lives.

She is survived by her husband, Charles Fizer III, her children, Marleena and Charles (Charlie) Fizer IV, Carrie and Chris Hudson, Tara and Corbitt Fizer, and Craig Fizer, her grandchildren, Shannon, Jenna, Charles (Chad) V, Caleb, Sarah, Eli, Ava, Anderson, Emma, and Stella, her great-grandchildren, Cohban, Madison, Charley, Maximus, Marshall, Taten, and Henley, brother, Keith Scanlon, and loved by Jessica Fizer and Traci Gibson.

Lauren was predeceased by: Mother & father, William & Annabelle Scanlon, and her brothers, Mark & Mike Scanlon.

Join us as we celebrate her life on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 11:00 am. Services will be held at Asbury United Methodist Church (220 Horatio Ave W, Maitland, FL 32751). Open house to follow at The Fizer Family Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Lauren's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Ronald McDonald House Charities.