Lauren O’Neill Memorial

Lauren O’Neill passed away on Monday May 6th after a wonderful and creative life. As many friends and family knew, she lived the last 8 years with a rare and incurable form of cancer, Synovial Sarcoma. Despite numerous therapies, treatments, and procedures she continued to live the fullest life possible and explored new levels of her passions and creativity.

Lauren often contemplated going back to NYC, always missing the creative “buzz” and community that made her feel most alive and loved. With the comfort of the beautiful weather, many NYC expats, and an outstanding medical team, she ultimately chose to stay in Los Angeles to enjoy every second of her remaining time. Throughout her journey with cancer, she had an amazing and dedicated team of doctors, nurses, and caregivers at UCLA, NYU, and Memorial Sloan Kettering.

Her wishes were to be buried and rest at The Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, NY so that she would be close to her friends, family, and beloved creative community. She also envisioned a joyous gathering of her acquaintances, new and old, in New York City with flowers, photos, festivities, and lots of fond memories. We plan to host this gathering in the near future and will hold additional gatherings in Los Angeles and her hometown of Mechanicsville, Virginia. Beyond celebrating her life, she wished for the people who dedicated their time to care for her to be helped in this time of grief and transition.

We are so thankful for those who have reached out offering their support during this time. We have established this GoFundMe to help fulfill her burial wishes, celebrate her life, and support her partner and sister who have cared for her. Your generous contributions, no matter how big or small, are appreciated and will help lessen the burden on those organizing and supporting Lauren’s last wishes.