Lauren R. (Johnson) Stacy

HOLDEN – Lauren R. (Johnson) Stacy, 73, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, December 5, surrounded by her loving family and dear friends. Lauren was the daughter of Gordon E. and Thelma M. (Murphy) Johnson. She was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, grew up in Arlington, Texas, and lived over 48 years in Holden.

Lauren graduated from Arlington High School and attended the University of Texas. She ventured to Boston in 1964 and went to work for the John Hancock Insurance Co. After reading Arthur Frommer’s book entitled, “Europe on 5 Dollars a Day,” Lauren traveled to Germany and immediately worked at the local Air Force base and was instrumental in starting the Armed Forces Recreational Center at Berchtesgaden. While in Germany, Lauren met the love of her life, Michael Stacy, a lanky, handsome young serviceman from Holden, Massachusetts. After Michael was discharged from the army, they traveled with friends throughout Europe in an ancient Volkswagen bus which included many adventures not the least of which included the Running of the Bulls in Spain. After ultimately falling in love in Florence, Italy, and a brief courtship back in Massachusetts, Lauren and Michael married on October 10, 1970 in Arlington, Texas and settled in Holden.

Lauren worked several years as a plastic commodities broker for Reed Plastics in Holden before opening the Blue Plate Farm Stand with her husband in 1988. Running the farm stand was a perfect fit for Lauren who always loved nature, gardening and making people smile. She was amazingly optimistic and enjoyed making new friends and cherished those she loved. Although Lauren was strong willed and tenacious by nature, she valued everyone’s opinion and had a captivating sense of humor.

First and foremost, Lauren was devoted to her faith as well as her family. She was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Jefferson where she volunteered her time and talent maintaining their annual potted flowers. She loved her family, was proud of her children, and took great pride in caring for her home and gardens. She looked forward to holiday gatherings and cherished time spent with her grandchildren.

She will be lovingly remembered and missed by her husband of 48 years, Michael D. Stacy; her daughter, Jessica B. Stacy and her fianceé, Sarah Dupont of Freeport, Maine; her son, Michael D. Stacy, Jr. and his wife, Katrina of Santa Fe, New Mexico; three brothers, Brian K. Johnson and his wife, Juliette of Mexico City; Gordon E. Johnson, Sr. and his wife, Molly of Arlington, Texas and Dr. Clayton H. Johnson of Little Rock, Arkansas; a sister, Marla J. Whelan and her husband, Kenneth of Austin, Texas; two grandchildren, Lincoln B. and Taylor J. Stacy; a sister-in-law, Barbara (Stacy) Smith of Holden; nephews nieces and cousins. Besides her parents, Lauren is predeceased by a brother, Msgr. Philip L. Johnson.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Lauren’s family from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 9, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Monday, December 10, at St. Mary’s Church, 114 Princeton St., Jefferson. Burial will follow at Grove Cemetery in Holden. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be to St. Mary’s Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 2200, Jefferson, MA 01522.