Lauren Nicole Maxwell (23) was never able to speak words the way most people do, but she spoke with more love and depth than many people can comprehend. Her presence in the world brought a love so sincere and pure, that the hardest of hearts could not help but soften when she smiled. When Lauren was born on June 1, 1986, she unexpectedly came upon cerebral palsy. This condition kept her from the ability to walk, to talk and to move the way most people do. The American society might consider this a disadvantage because of system structures and physical barriers, but in God's world she is so blessed and so lucky. Now Lauren is walking, running, singing, dancing and talking with God in heaven experiencing a love we can never imagine. Lauren was at the least a blessing and was the central force and strength to her family and friends. Her physical end on October 20, caught her family and friends off guard but the strength she bestowed is still present.Everyday she woke up she had a new adventure ahead of her. Lauren got to spend months at Disney World with her mom Mary Jane Maxwell, her dad Jimmy Maxwell, her sisters Meagan and Kimber Maxwell and her brother Alex Maxwell. There she was able play, just like the other kids. One of her favorite things there was riding in the giant honey pot experiencing the many adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Last summer she got to ride her honey pot 5 times in a row without getting out.Lauren made her way across the world, sailing through the Bahamas on Disney Cruises, heading down to Key Largo for Dolphin Human therapy, and sipping smoothies on the beaches in Malibu. There was nothing that she could not do and nothing her family and friends would not support.Lauren was active in her community, her family and her extended family Southwest Church of Christ. She was always out attending movies, musicals, festivals and parades. She loved going to church every week and greeting everyone. Thursday mornings she loved to spend time in the church kitchen with her mom and friend, Becky Aufiero making lunches for the meals on wheels program. Her family was behind her and had a tight bond. Her grandparents Mary Prucha, Harlen and Nellie Maxwell, great grandfather BT and Claudia Maxwell; Aunts and Uncles, Carol and Gary McDonald, Charlie and Jama Prucha, Beverly and Jim Flesher, Jan Maxwell, Darrell and Laureen Maxwell, Marsha and Paul Petersen. Lauren had a plethora of cousins that she loved very much. Lauren was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Al Prucha and great uncle, Bob Kirk. Memorials may be made to: Search, PO Box 371 Edmond, OK 73083 or United Cerebral Palsey, 10400 Greenbriar Place Ste #101, OKC, OK 73159 or Homeward Bound Pug Rescue, 1702 Vanessa Dr., Norman, OK 73071. Viewing will be from 4-8 PM Friday at the funeral home. Services will be held 10 AM Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009 at Southwest Church of Christ, 3031 SW 104 St., with interment to follow at Heritage Burial Park at South Lakes. Please visit www.vondelsmithmortuary.com to sign the guestbook & leave of condolence for the family.


Published in The Oklahoman on October 23, 2009