Lauren Kathleen Darnauer

Lauren Kathleen Darnauer was born in San Francisco, the first child of her parents Eric and Patricia (Trish) Darnauer and an older sister to Erin Darnauer. Although she only spent a couple of months in her hometown, Lauren felt a strong sense of attachment to San Francisco especially its sports teams, the Giants and 49ers. She unabashedly wore their colors even at Astros and Texans games. As a military brat, Lauren moved several times and lived in California, Texas, New York, Kansas and Virginia before finally settling for good in Houston with her parents in 2015.

It was in Houston that Lauren came into her own discovering a supportive and loving community through both her volunteer and social activities. Her first attachment was to the K-9 Angels Rescue where she volunteered beginning in 2015. She loved the time she spent there and felt at home with the other volunteers. At Lauren’s constant urging, her parents relented and allowed her to foster multiple rescues over the years resulting in two new additions to the home (two Chihuahuas – Rooney and Chico). If it weren’t for a grouchy dog, Layla, who Lauren had rescued while living in Friendswood in 2013, there certainly would have been many more fosters. Lauren had a place in her heart for all the dogs who passed through K-9 Angels and probably would have adopted many more given the chance.

Lauren also found a family in the Houston Gaymers. She looked forward to attending each Game Night meet-up as well as their regular social events. Most recently she was active with Pride Sports and found a new group of kindred souls and friends. Although admittedly not an athlete, Lauren never wanted to miss a practice or game whether it was Dodge Ball, Kickball, and recently Cornhole. In addition to K-9 Angels, Houston Gaymers, Pride Sports, and multiple Montrose trivia teams, Lauren kept herself engaged through multiple volunteer activities including the SPCA and Cottage Shop.

Lauren made the most of her brief time with us. She was a loving soul who would help a friend in any way she could. She had the truest friend in and whole-heartedly loved her sister, Erin; as young adults they became even closer - moving beyond Girl Scouts and family vacations to experiencing Rodeo, concerts, Pride events, and most recently a glass-blowing class together. Lauren thrived on the camaraderie she discovered in Houston and was truly blessed to have found such loving and accepting communities where she was free to be herself and always felt accepted and appreciated.