Remembering Lauren Clinton

Lauren Elizabeth Clinton was born on May 17, 1987 in Grand Forks, North Dakota to Glenn and Sally Clinton. As she would continue to do for the next 38 years, she arrived entirely on her own schedule.

Lauren was born into a military family, and she moved often: Grand Forks, to Goldsboro, to RAF Lakenheath, to Goldsboro, to Ft. Bragg, and eventually to Rocklin, CA.  As a young girl, Lauren had been described by others as sweet, and in her own words as “nice, weird, and talkative.” Her family believes these characteristics were both innate to Lauren and effective coping mechanisms for years of moving, matching dresses, and bowl-cuts shared with younger sister Sarah (Curtis) Harwood.

In her early years, Lauren discovered a love of learning and many things that would become lifelong joys: music, riding horses, caring for nature, and tormenting her father. Lauren retired from both dressage and the St. Rose basketball team early, but she was always willing to share about the glory days. As she entered her teenage years, Lauren continued pursuing her joys with gusto: she joined her high school choir and drama clubs, she worked her summers at the Sacramento Zoo’s children’s program, and she snuck out to many rock concerts.

As a young adult, Lauren refined her passions for teaching and helping children. Lauren spent time as an aide for a child with disabilities, as a teacher for after-school programs, and as a volunteer for the Coalition for Youth, helping disconnected, homeless, and runaway teens. Recognizing her strengths in empathy and advocacy, Lauren completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Sacramento State University with the intention of continuing to help underserved youth. 

During her studies, Lauren met her husband, Chris Gasser. They quickly bonded over a shared competitive spirit, love of Greek mythology, and general sense of wonder for nature, the world, and people in it. After graduating, they moved together to Oregon. Although Chris took his time to propose, they eventually purchased a home; wed; built a community of friends; and lived a life of fun, adventure, and constant (but loving) bickering.  

In Oregon, Lauren continued to care for others: she helped trauma-impacted youth, assisted women escaping domestic violence, advocated for children’s safety as a case worker, and then she found her calling teaching preschool. With a passion for empowering young people, especially young girls, Lauren found delight in raising future generations to be both kind and strong. In Ms. Lauren’s class, it was safe to dream and explore, to fail and grow. Teaching preschoolers allowed Lauren to combine everything she loved: children, learning, animals, singing, teaching, giving, socializing, and caring.

Despite earning her master’s degree and teaching credential, Lauren’s proudest moments weren’t her academic or professional accomplishments. The title that Lauren was most proud of was “Lolo”, given to her by her nieces. With the births of Skyler, Riley, and Blake, Lauren found mountains of joy. She was at their house so often that Sarah occasionally had to invite her to leave. She loved her sister and those girls with her entire being.