Lauren Nuzzi Nicol, 49, of Lothian, MD passed away on May 7, 2026 in her home, and went home to be with her Lord.
Born April 28, 1977, in Bethpage, Long Island, NY, Lauren was the adored wife of Michael Nicol. They were married on December 1, 2012 in Key West, FL, and shared a blessed, joyful marriage and contented, happy home. Lauren was a devoted stepmother to their dear son Matthew Nicol – a current student at George Mason University. She was the cherished daughter of Paul Nuzzi and wife Joanne of Hendersonville, NC; and beloved sister of Justin Nuzzi (and wife Tracey) of Cordova, AK; and Meg Nuzzi Nygren (and husband Eric) of Hendersonville, NC.
Lauren was employed since August, 2011 at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center in Edgewater, MD and previously spent nearly 10 years working at Penn State University. Along with her husband, she is a member of the Deale, MD Elks Lodge 2528.
She held an Associate of Liberal Arts degree from the State University of New York at Cobleskill and was a graduate of Andes Central High School in Andes, NY.
There are certain people in this world who brighten the lives of everyone they encounter. Lauren was that and much more. She was dear to her professional colleagues and friends, and a constant source of fun and laughter in the workplace. To her parents and siblings, Lauren was the brightest of lights – loved deeply and treasured uniquely. To her entire extended family, she brought happiness and enjoyment to every family gathering. Lauren was a fun, engaged, and dedicated “Bonus Mom” to Matthew, whom she loved dearly as her own.
And for her husband Michael, Lauren was his “true north” from the very beginning – an unfailing source of encouragement, support, and grounding. She was the best life companion a man could ever wish for, providing the much better half of an effortless and fulfilling marriage. Lauren treasured her time at their home (it was her ultimate “happy place”) and her delightful, creative touches were found throughout. She and “her boys” share endless happy vacation memories from their favorite destinations like Rehoboth Beach, Oak Island, Cape Cod, Myrtle Beach, Aruba, Jamaica, and the Florida Keys. In recent years, Mike and Lauren took numerous unforgettable trips to Jost Van Dyke and Anegada in the British Virgin Islands – where they became almost “regulars” and familiar faces to many local island residents. She was her husband’s partner in crime, the love of his life, and his highest aspiration. She will be missed unimaginably but loved eternally.
In addition to those mentioned above, Lauren is survived by her father-in-law David Nicol; brothers-in-law Brock Smith (wife Colleen), Tim Smith, and Zachary Nicol (wife Angela); sisters-in-law Melissa Hall (husband Duran) and Rebecca Frye (husband Steven); Aunts Kathy Cichra (husband Gary), Diane Sellitto, and Patty Reeves; Uncles Paul Sellitto, Dan Calvo (wife Angela), and Wally Nicol (wife Brenda); along with dozens of extended family members whose lives she brightened indelibly throughout her life.
Lauren is preceded in death by grandparents Joseph and Margie Nuzzi, Peter and Harriet Sellitto, Delfino and Susannah Calvo, Louise Calvo, and William and Erma Nicol; mother-in-law Deleen DeMary and stepmother Michele Nicol; and Aunt Wendy Sellitto.
At Lauren’s request, there will be no public visitations or services. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by Rausch Funeral Home, 8325 Mt. Harmony Lane, Owings, MD 20736. To sign the online guest book, send condolences, or share a story, please visit www.rauschfuneralhomes.com.
