Lauren Lawendowski Baca, 65, passed away after a brief illness on November 26, 2025 at UNM Hospital in Albuquerque, NM. Her loving husband, Billy L. Baca, and sister Christine Lawendowski were at her side.   Lauren was born in New Hartford, NY on October 8, 1960 to the late Walter and Mary Lazarczyk Lawendowski. Lauren attended Holy Trinity and John F. Hughes elementary schools and graduated from Utica Free Academy in 1978. In 1982, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Daemon College in Amherst, NY. With her first spouse, R. Moss Aubrey, she moved to Madison, Wisconsin in 1984. They then moved to Albuquerque, NM where Lauren attended UNM and was granted her PhD in Clinical and Experimental Psychology in 1995. This was a goal she had since her youth, and for which she was especially suited with her inquisitive, analytical mind, compassionate heart, exceptional research skills, and eloquent writing ability.   During her career, Lauren worked at the Research Institute on Addictions as a Research Technician; she spent a summer in Slovenia conducting research; presented papers and conducted training sessions at national and international professional conferences. While working as a Staff Psychologist at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Albuquerque, she met her life partner, Billy, whom she married on November 15, 1998.   Lauren loved doting on Billy and their canine companions LeRoy and Rex. She enjoyed long conversations with her sister Chris, sister-in-law Alyce Baumann, and neighbor Rev. Adrianne Coleman. She spent many happy hours in her garden tending to her roses; walking; and studying the Bible with the same fervor that propelled her through her academic and professional endeavors. Lauren’s warmth, humor, intelligence, and faith have left an indelible mark on all who knew her.   Lauren will be forever missed by her loving husband Billy; brothers Walter (Lisa) and John (Debbie Hajdasz) Lawendowski; sister Christine and her children Stephen and Katrina Briody, whom she adored; step-children Ilse (Paul) Frost, Melanie (Justin) Ebaugh, April Baca, and Roman (Roxanne) Baca. A host of cherished family, friends, and neighnors will also mourn her loss.   Lauren’s family would like to thank the staff at UNMH for their skill, care, and professionalism; especially the nurses that helped Lauren through her final hours with such kindness and compassion. And bless you, Lisa, for bringing comfort, unity, and steady support to our family when we needed it most!   Final arrangements are being made through Riverside Funeral Home, Albuquerque. Services and burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Shriners Children’s Hospital, a veterans organization, or a canine rescue group of your choice.   "Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." — 1 Corinthians 13:7