SOUTHBRIDGE – Lauren Elizabeth "Laurie" (Gatzke) McGarry, 54, died Sunday morning, November 23, 2025 in UMass/Memorial Hospital University Campus, in the arms of her family.
She leaves her beloved husband of 27 years, Matte G. McGarry, daughter Abigale E. McGarry, son Gus A. McGarry, and her dog Harper, who comforted her throughout the past 5 years (all of Southbridge). Lauren also leaves her father, Robert F. Gatzke, brothers Bobby and Timmy Gatzke, sisters Jenny and Julie Gatzke, and Julie’s partner Chris Filippone (all of Webster). Cousins, nephews, a niece, and countless friends were blindsided by this catastrophic loss of our gentle, vivacious soul.
Lauren was born on May 12, 1971 in Webster, one of three daughters of the late Kathleen R. (Dugan) Gatzke, and her father Bob. She was a raised in Saint Louis Church, attending St. Louis School through junior high, where she was a cheerleader. As a child, she played Lassie League softball, and volunteered during American Red Cross Blood Drives. She brought endless joy as the family comedian, and fierce devotion as a sister. She could convince her sisters to do almost anything by framing it as a “Big Fun Sister Thing”. Sassy and sarcastic, Laurie was the spark who lit our lives.
During her teenage years, Laurie continued to develop as the highly creative person she was, excelling at art and photography. Her first job was at Thompson Speedway and Golf Course, manning the hotdog stand and contributing as a banquet server. She blossomed from a shy child to a social butterfly in high school. As mischievous as she was enchanting, Laurie endeared herself with students and teachers alike, graduating Bartlett High School in 1989 with scores of friends. She pursued her love of art by studying graphic arts and photography, earning an associate’s degree from Becker Junior College. Always a caregiver, Laurie returned to school in order to pursue a career in Physical Therapy. She earned an associate’s degree with a 4.0 GPA from Lasell University in Newton. Her characteristic bohemian eclectic style and vibrant personality earned her friends through every phase of her life, as she was a loyal companion.
Lauren and her husband built their dream home on 51 acres of woods in Southbridge, where they were married then raised their 2 children, Abi and Gus. They created an imaginative woodland oasis for the children, encouraging exploration and a world of pretend. Family ‘Funcations’ were cherished. She was a wonderful host to friends and family, and her annual Pumpkin Party became a way for so many to celebrate the fall season. She excelled at embroidery, cake decorating, drawing, and sculpture. Even during her lengthy illness, Lauren supported the children’s activities, volunteering to support Abi’s Shepherd Hill Show Choir and voice lessons. Laurie introduced Gus to horse riding as a child and he continues to this day. She was always trying to create a childhood equal to her own, and often believed she’d failed. She did not. Everything Lauren did was for her children, creating memories despite her personal discomfort.
Lauren worked as a physical therapy assistant at multiple regional agencies, including Sundance, and most recently the Kennedy-Donovan Center in Southbridge. She loved working with patients of all ages, going out of her way to enhance the lives of those confined to care, and bringing peace to those with brain injuries. Laurie loved working with children, healing their tiny bodies with her magical hands. She reluctantly retired due to chronic disability in 2020. She exhibited unwavering, awe-inspiring courage, and endurance throughout her battle with cancer. During her last days, her choices were to suffer any interventions that might keep her with her children. Lauren’s life was dedicated to her family.
Visitation with Lauren and family will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Tuesday, December 9, in the funeral home. Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, December 10, from Scanlon Funeral Service, 38 East Main Street, Webster, with a Mass at 10:00 AM in Saint Louis Church, 14 Lake Street, Webster. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Dudley. Donations in her memory may be made to UMass Chan Medical School Foundation.