Lauren Elizabeth Zmirski

Lauren Elizabeth Zmirski, age 30, passed away on Thursday, October 21, 2021, after a long and hard-fought battle with Mitochondrial Disease.  She was born in Louisville, KY, on November 11, 1990.  Lauren is survived by her mother, Victoria Zmirski; father, Anthony Zmirski; sister, Jennifer (Benjamin) Emmel; nieces, Grace, Rose and Clare Emmel; maternal grandparents, Joseph and Mary Ann Steininger; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.  She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Vincent and Betty Zmirski.

Lauren attended St. Monica Catholic School and graduated from Marian High School in 2009.  She attended Seton Hall University and Case Western Reserve University majoring in Biochemistry and Philosophy until her health required her to withdraw.

Lauren’s hobbies included baking, working on jigsaw puzzles, bird watching, and creating art while painting, drawing, and coloring pictures to decorate packages to her nieces.  She was a master bargain finder, always found the best deal, and never paid full price for anything.

At age 17, Lauren was diagnosed with Mitochondrial Disease.  Throughout all her medical ordeals, she remained fiercely independent while tackling all the daily medical treatment except on her worst days when she would allow her mother to help with her care.

Lauren loved animals and her cat, Aurora (“Rory”) spent many quiet hours curled up at Lauren’s side as she rested.  Lauren was recently matched with Topaz, her service dog, and they instantly bonded as they began training together.  Topaz provided Lauren great joy, comfort, companionship, and increased independence.  Lauren worked diligently training Topaz, a look or hand motion from Lauren and Topaz knew exactly what was expected of her.  Topaz could sense when Lauren was having a rough day and would come over and just rest her head near Lauren so she could nuzzle her head and pet her soft ears.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Jacob Meyer at 11:00 am on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at St. Monica Catholic Church, 222 W. Mishawaka Ave, Mishawaka, IN.  Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 am-11:00 am at the church prior to Mass.  Graveside services and interment will take place at Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka following the Mass.  Hahn Funeral Home is assisting Lauren’s family with arrangements. 

In lieu of flowers Lauren requested memorial donations to one of the following organizations:

Paws With a Cause, 4646 S. Division, Wayland, MI 49347.  https://www.pawswithacause.org.

United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation (UMDF), 8085 Saltsburg Rd, Ste 201, Pittsburg, PA 15239.  https://www.umdf.org.

St. Monica Catholic Church, 222 W. Mishawaka Ave, Mishawaka, IN 46545.  https://www.stmonicamish.org.

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