Lauren E. Smith, Author and Community Inspiration, Passes Away in Florida

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of Lauren E. Smith’s passing in Florida within the past few days. Born on April 28, 1959, in Freeport, New York, Lauren was a beloved daughter, sister, friend, and storyteller whose warmth and creativity touched the lives of all who knew her.

Lauren’s journey began on Long Island, where she grew up and formed lifelong connections with her classmates at Sayville High School. Her thirst for knowledge and language led her to the State University of New York at Fredonia, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with a minor in English. Her professional life was as diverse as her talents; she dedicated many years to the not-for-profit health sector before bringing her considerable skills to the luxury hotel industry, where she continued to excel.

But writing was always Lauren’s true passion. From childhood, she found joy in bringing characters and worlds to life on the page. This lifelong love culminated in the creation of the Ashley Enright children’s book series. Her debut, Ashley Enright Investigations, introduced readers to a spirited young girl who found mystery and adventure in her own small town. In subsequent books like Ashley Enright and the Mystery at Miller’s Pond and Ashley Enright and the Darnell Diamonds, Lauren championed the power of imagination and everyday curiosity. She crafted stories that allowed children to solve puzzles alongside Ashley without the darkness or fear so common in modern chapter books, proving that excitement and adventure are never far from home.

Lauren’s impact extended beyond the page. A recognized success in her community, she shared her love for writing with a new generation, visiting local schools to inspire children to find their own voices and tell their own stories. She was a testament to the power of creativity, drawing inspiration from the diversity of her experiences and the unwavering support of her family and friends. It was their belief in her that gave her the confidence to try new things and share her gift with the world.

We extend our deepest condolences to Lauren’s family, her classmates and teachers from Sayville High School, as well as the friends, colleagues, and loved ones who were privileged to share in her life’s journey. She will be remembered for her kindness, her creative spirit, and the legacy of wonder she left behind in the hearts of young readers everywhere.

At the family’s request, there will be no public services. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Lauren’s memory are encouraged to read a story with a young reader, sharing the gift of imagination she so cherished.