Lauren S. (Sawyer) Howell, 67, a well-known teacher and community member, passed away at home on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
Born on October 5, 1958, in Newark, NY, she was a daughter of the late Ellsworth and Mary (Trimby) Sawyer. Lauren was raised in Newark, often describing her childhood there as idyllic and a wonderful place to grow up. She graduated from Newark High School in 1977. She earned her associate’s degree from SUNY Cobleskill, her bachelor’s degree from SUNY Cortland, and her master’s degree in education from Nazareth College. Lauren taught for three years in Newark, NY, before moving to Stroudsburg, PA, where she worked in childcare.
On October 5, 1985, in Newark, NY, Lauren married the love of her life, Mark Howell. Mark and Lauren were each other’s world and rock – sharing a deep and enduring bond. In 1987, Lauren and her husband moved to Norwich, NY, where she taught at Perry Browne Elementary School until her retirement on November 25, 2014.
Lauren was a passionate, dedicated, and inspiring teacher. Affectionately known as “Mrs. Howell,” she taught thousands of children, leaving a lasting impression on generations of students. Many considered her their favorite teacher. While at Perry Browne, Mrs. Howell also advised the Friendship Club and coordinated student and faculty events and parties.
Throughout her life, Lauren was deeply committed to her community and gave generously of her time. She was a former member of the Chenango SPCA Board of Directors, was instrumental in Norwich’s Relay for Life, was a former board member of Dollars for Scholars, volunteered for Gus Macker 3-on-3 basketball, was a member of the Norwich Garden Club, served on the UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, served on the Pumpkin Festival committee, and volunteered at the Norwich Community Kitchen every Tuesday.
To say Lauren loved chocolate and loved to bake is an understatement! There was hardly an event in town for which she didn’t bake, often serving her famous peanut butter balls, peanut clusters, cookies, and chocolate cakes. Her creations were even auctioned at local fundraising events, raising impressive sums to support local charities.
She found joy in life’s traditions. For many years, she and her husband celebrated their anniversary at the Waldheim in the Adirondacks, a tradition they cherished. Every holiday was special to Lauren, and she would decorate her home and classroom each season. Lauren enjoyed hosting her annual Christmas party, filling her house with her famous snacks and desserts, and welcoming so many loved ones.
Lauren always put her family and friends first. She affectionately called everyone “honey” and went out of her way to speak to everyone she encountered. Her daily Facebook messages and positivity inspired many. Lauren enjoyed spending time with friends, including bowling with Marge Murphy and going to lunch with many of her retired teacher friends. Throughout her life, she also adored her beloved dogs, including Jake, Clancy, Cloe, Barney, Gracie, Bailey, and Coby.
In addition to her husband, Mark, of Norwich, Lauren is survived by her loving siblings, Gail Schum of Batavia, NY, Marcia Sawyer of Sarasota, FL, Alison (Anthony) Felt of Clifton Park, NY, and Randall Sawyer of Huntingdon, PA; siblings-in-law, Katherine (Andrew) Pitsker of Fredericksburg, VA, Nancy Howell of Kingston, NY, and Patricia (Peter) Exman of Palm Coast, FL; beloved nieces and nephews, Hailey (Ryan), Austin (Alley), Hunter (Abby), Grace, Braeden, Kaitlin, Brian (Mercedes), Jill (Collin), Paul, and Lee (Sandra); great-nieces and nephews, Gunnar, Blake, Emily, Lincoln, Hudson, Cora, Caleb, and Margot; great-great niece, August; and countless friends and former students that she touched during her life. In addition to her parents, Lauren was predeceased by her brother-in-law, Jeffery Schum.
Friends and family are invited to calling hours to be held at the Wilson Funeral Home, 68 South Broad Street, Norwich, on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Broad Street United Methodist Church, 74 North Broad Street, Norwich. Callers are asked to use the front doors to enter the church service.
Memorial contributions in memory of Lauren may be made to the Chenango SPCA, 6160 County Road 32, Norwich, NY 13815; Norwich Family YMCA, 68 North Broad Street, Norwich, NY 13815; Chenango Health Network in care of the cancer financial assistance fund, 19 Eaton Avenue, Box 230, Norwich, NY 13815; Norwich Community Kitchen in care of St. Bartholomew, 30 Pleasant Street, Norwich, NY 13815; or to the Assistance Fund, 8427 Southpark Circle Suite 100, Orlando, FL 32819.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Wilson Funeral Home. To leave the family a message of condolence, please visit: www.wilsonfh.com.