Lauren J. MacArthur, 66, of Milford, a former longtime resident of Upton, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2026 after a courageous battle with thymic carcinoma.

Lauren, the first-born daughter of the late Paul F. and Janice C. MacArthur, was born in Boston on Easter Sunday, April 17, 1960. She was raised in Ashland, was a 1978 graduate of Ashland High School, and received her bachelor's degree from Framingham State College.

She worked for many years in Boston in the financial industry. Most recently, she was employed by SALMON Health and Retirement in Milford. A former cheerleader herself, she enjoyed many fun years of coaching cheer at different levels, from youth to varsity.

Lauren was known for her quick wit and smiling blue eyes. She had firm and fervent opinions on politics, and her views sprang from and reflected her character and innate sense of justice. She loved the beach, cheering on the New England Patriots, spending time with her dogs, a great cup of coffee, playing pickleball weekly with friends, and anything related to "Wicked," especially Glinda. She cherished her family and close friends, most especially her daughter Maegan, the sunshine of her life.

Lauren is survived by her daughter Maegan Montenegro and her partner Alex, her sister Lynne Atkinson and her husband Michael, and her two nieces Nicole and Jennifer Atkinson. She leaves behind her aunts and uncles Lila MacArthur, Susan and John Doyle, and Richard Gillespie Jr., as well as many beloved cousins who she enjoyed spending summers with at Merrymeeting Lake, New Hampshire and Humarock, Massachusetts.

She is also survived by her dear friends Andrew and Jane Abu who she loved like family, as well as her treasured friend Denise Barry, her lifelong personal cheerleader.

Lauren's family would like to thank her compassionate and kind caregivers, doctors, and especially her nurses, at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, July 17, at 11 a.m. in Saint Cecilia Parish, 54 Esty St., Ashland. Visiting hours will be held Thursday, July 16 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main St., Ashland. A private burial will be held at a later date.

Donations in Lauren's name may be made to Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton.