Lauren Marie Roby Dies at 40 in Landing, NJ, per New Jersey Herald

Lauren Marie Roby, a 40-year-old resident of Landing, New Jersey, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Saturday, October 10, 2026. An author, poet, and artist, Roby was nearing the publication of her first book, titled “Ground Truth,” at the time of her death, as reported by the New Jersey Herald.

Roby Studied Interior Design Before Focusing on Literature

Born in Gwinn, Michigan, at the K. I. Sawyer Air Force Base, Roby spent much of her youth traveling globally due to her family’s lifestyle before they eventually settled in Hamburg, New Jersey. She pursued her academic interests at the County College of Morris, where she focused on interior design. Despite this initial academic path, she shifted her professional focus toward literature. Beyond her upcoming book, she was a prolific writer, maintaining notebooks filled with original poetry and creative works.

Funeral Services Will Be Held in Franklin

The F. John Ramsey Funeral Home, located at One Main St., Franklin, NJ, will host a visitation for Roby on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A funeral service is scheduled to follow at the same location on Thursday, October 15, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Following the service, interment will take place at the North Hardyston Cemetery.

Roby Is Survived by Her Parents and Sister

Roby is survived by her parents, Jeffrey M. and Donna L. Roby, and her sister, Lindsay Virginia Roby Jenkins, alongside Sean M. Jenkins. She was also an aunt to Maison Grey and Aurora Moon Roby Jenkins. Her family noted that she was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Steven C. and Virginia D. Roby, her maternal grandfather, William Albert Mattacott May, and several other relatives, including Michael May, John May, Austin May, Deandra May, and Kiel O’Brien.

Those who knew her described her as a person who possessed a unique ability to make others feel heard and valued. Her influence extended to her love for animals; she was frequently accompanied by her cat, Willow. In recognition of her interests, the family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her memory to O.S.C.A.R. Animal Rescue in Andover, New Jersey. The organization can be reached at (973) 810-2853 for those wishing to provide support.