Lauren Lawton Perfors

Lauren Lawton Perfors, 41, passed away peacefully at home on January 16th, 2026 in Fort Collins, Colorado. Her passing leaves a deep void for all those who knew and loved her.

Born on June 30th, 1984 in Prince George's County, Maryland, Lauren was the only daughter of Robert "Dodd" Lawton and Ann Nyquist Lawton. She spent her childhood in Maryland, moving to Park City, Utah just before starting her freshman year of high school. While living in Utah, Lauren developed her deep love for the mountains and outdoors, especially during the winter months, when she could be found skipping school to ski the fresh powder that Park City is famous for.

Lauren graduated from Park City High School in 2002. She went on to earn her Bachelor's in International Business from the University of Denver in 2006, followed by a Master's from the University of Denver in Marketing and PR in 2015. Known for her intelligence and ambition, lightheartedness and compassion, Lauren developed many friendships at DU that would continue through the rest of her life.

In 2015, Lauren achieved her dream of starting a successful technology company, which has grown to become Jollity Studios. Perpetually embodying its titular spirit - jollity - she helmed the company with her signature joy. When you worked with Lauren, whether as a partner, employee, or client, you were treated with respect, kindness, and love. Lauren left her mark in the business world the same way she lived her life - with a big smile.

On July 31st, 2010 Lauren married the love of her life, Steven Perfors, in the mountains near Alma, Colorado. Their union was defined by a deep respect and undying love for one another. Together they built a life fully lived, overflowing with travel and outdoor adventures, and eventually their family grew to include two beautiful little girls: Adelyn (7) and Olivia Jade (3).

Lauren found a whole new purpose in life when her daughters were born, and she lived each day in a way that guaranteed her family would never once doubt her love for them. Lauren was the glue that allowed her husband and daughters to pursue their dreams and wild fancies. She provided a safe haven for each of them to spread their wings and soar.

Aptly nicknamed "Widesmiler," Lauren greeted each morning with a smile on her face. To know Lauren was to know a woman who was quick-witted, eager to make new friends, and never afraid to smile and laugh with her whole being – while also bringing her unmistakable intelligence (and many a tech solution!) to every situation.

Lauren's legacy is that of a fighter, and a lover of life. She was an incredibly courageous person who found joy in every moment. She never let the negative define her. To know her was to know that you were enveloped by love at all times. Lauren will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched, and we will remember her always.

A Celebration of Life will held in her honor on February 21st, 2026 at 1:00 PM. It will be held at Foothills Unitarian Church, located at 1815 Yorktown Ave, Ft. Collins CO 80526.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Rise for Lauren GoFundMe to help her family offset medical bills and continue the college fund for her daughters.