Obituary: Lauren Elizabeth Mulkey

Lauren Elizabeth Mulkey 6/20/1989 ~ 3/19/2007 Our beloved Lauren Elizabeth Mulkey passed away Sunday, March 18, 2007 in a tragic motor vehicle accident. She was 17-years-old. Lauren was born on June 20, 1989 in Salt Lake City, the daughter of Tom and Linda Mulkey. Lauren was a radiant human being, a beautiful independent soul who will live eternally in the hearts of all she touched. Her smile was magical and well known by the countless friends and family who were drawn to her. She was known as an honest, articulate, intelligent individual who loved the sun, the snow and life itself. She was a celebration of youth. She was known as the type of friend everybody should have. Her confidence is enduring. Like her father, she was a driven athlete. She was a track superstar at East High School. Like her mother, she exuded an outer beauty that was only matched by her inner beauty and soul. She had a great aptitude in the latest trends and styles. She graduated early in the fall of 2006 and was currently pursuing an education at Westminster College. Lauren grew up in Salt Lake City. She was a member of the Cottonwood Club swim team. She loved the beach, the pool, and any vacation. She was an animal lover, particularly dogs, the hairier the better. She was a gifted artist. Perhaps her life is best described by the countless friends and relatives who love her. She was the center of our family, the keystone of our lives, a binding eternal spirit who left this earth far too early. In turn, she left a gap in our souls. We will grasp her zest for life with the first snowfall at 'The Bird'. We will remember her endearing style when we wear our flip flops at the beach. We will envision her grace when we see a diving board or a track meet. We will feel her presence at her favorite restaurants. We will hear her echo whenever there is laughter, wherever there is love. Lauren, you live eternally in each one of us. Lauren is survived by her parents: mother Linda Mulkey (Curt Lipke), father and stepmother Tom and Susan Mulkey, and stepsister Erica Bruen (Kevin). She is also survived by grandparents Donald and Verda Mulkey, and Elman and Sara Ellsworth. Additionally, Lauren is survived by numerous loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and incredibly supportive friends. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, March 24 with family greeting at 10:00 followed by a program at 11:00 a.m. at Libby Gardner Hall at the University of Utah. All friends and classmates are invited. Additional parking is available across the street at the Newman Center. It was Lauren's wish for friends and family to wear bright colors at her funeral. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Westminster College designated for the "Lauren Elizabeth Mulkey Scholarship Fund", established in her memory to support students with their educational careers.