Lauren Zarvis

Lauren Lanese Zarvis (April 4, 1946-December 28, 2025), passed away peacefully at the Commons of Providence in Sandusky. Born on April 4, 1946, in Euclid, Ohio, Lauren was the cherished youngest daughter of the late Margherita Fatica Lanese and Joseph Mario Lanese.

A proud Regina High School graduate, Lauren dedicated her life to education, earning her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Dayton in 1968. She interned in downtown Cleveland as a playground instructor and kept students safe during the Glenville riots in 1968. After graduating from Dayton, Lauren settled in Berlin Heights and began her professional teaching career at the Shupe School in Amherst.

Later, Lauren taught K-3 at Wakeman Elementary. In the 1990s, she earned her Master of Science in Education from Ashland University, with a focus on special education.

She touched countless lives during her 35-year teaching career, and her passion for learning and genuine care for students left a lasting impact.

Lauren shared 56 loving years of marriage with John Paul Zarvis. Together, they built a beautiful family and created cherished memories through their shared love of travel, visiting her children in Florida and North Carolina, bicycling, and spending time with friends. Lauren’s mother-in-law, Mary, taught her how to cook from scratch, including homemade pierogi, jam from raspberries grown on the property, and bread every Saturday morning. She loved to entertain with fish frys around the pond and dinners with friends using vegetables from her garden and pulling together arrangements from her flower beds.

In retirement, Lauren became active with the Huron Yacht Club, where she served as President of the Women’s Auxiliary and volunteered on several committees. Lauren also volunteered with the Friends of Erie Metroparks and loved her “Wednesday Walkabouts” with the ladies through different area park trails.

Lauren is survived by her devoted husband, John Paul Zarvis; her son, Bernard Joseph Zarvis (Amy) of Naples, Florida; her daughter, Morgan Lamphere (Mark) of Durham, North Carolina; and her adored grandchildren, Luke and Alex Lamphere. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Wilbur Lanese and Gilbert Lanese.

Those who knew Lauren will remember her exuberant laugh, her appetite for adventure, and her dedication to family and friends. She lived a life filled with purpose, joy, and love.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at The Commons at Providence, where Lauren has lived since December 2020, and the team of dedicated nurses and professionals at Stein Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Lauren’s name may be made to Stein Hospice, 1912 Hayes Avenue, Sandusky, Ohio or Friends of Erie Metroparks, 3910 Perkins Ave., Huron, OH 44839.

A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.

Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.