After a valiant fight with Peritoneal Mesothelioma, Lauren McDowell, affectionally known as “Nurse Cupcake” passed away on June 15, 2025. Born on November 11, 1957, she was only 67 years old. Lauren was an inspiration until the very end as she battled this insidious disease with grace and determination.
Lauren had a servant’s heart. As a registered nurse, Lauren spent the majority of her 35-year career at Jackson Memorial. She was an educator and trainer to countless up and coming nurses. A true leader, Lauren was dedicated to her coworkers and especially her patients. Lauren was devoted to her family. When Lauren and Hank fell in love 27 years ago, she embraced his children, Nicole and Sean, as her own. Lauren was a loving and proud Grammy to her three grandsons, Cash, Cain, and Cole.
Born in Bordeaux, France to her late Air Force father, Roland Dupont and French mother, Arlette Cabiro, Lauren enjoyed visiting her family in Paris and Bordeaux and made several trips in recent years. Lauren also loved visiting family in North Carolina and on Tybee Island for milestones, celebrations, and just hanging out. She loved her family like no other and wanted to spend quality time with them at every opportunity.
The outpouring of support during Lauren’s illness is a testament to her loving, generous spirit and beautiful soul. Friends, family, former co-workers, and neighbors supported Lauren and Hank on this journey with wonderful meals, visits, pulling strings at the hospital, walking Lauren’s adored Boston Terrier, Lolli, and many other thoughtful acts. This love and support was greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten.
Lauren is survived by her mother, Arlette Dupont; husband, Henry “Hank” McDowell; siblings Steve Dupont (Cathy); Stephanie (Steve) Cook; and her legacies Nicole McDowell (Charlie Paoli), Sean McDowell (Kim), and her precious grandsons Cash Evans, Cain Ero, and Cole Emari Paoli. Lauren also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and two great-nephews.
On Friday June 27, 2025, a gathering will be held at the Radius Condominium Atrium, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.
Address: 1830 Radius Dr (Polk) Street Hollywood, FL 33020
Due to the heat, the outdoor celebration of life will now begin at 4:00 PM be held at the Russo family home on June 28, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 8:00pm.
Tributes to Lauren will begin at 5:00 PM
Address: 20030 NW 3rd Street Pembroke Pines, FL 33029.
Please dress comfortably.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to; UM Sylvester Cancer
For online donations: Giving In Memory of Lauren McDowell
For check donations: Payable to “University of Miami” with “In memory of Lauren McDowell in the memo line.
Mailing Address: ATTN: Marcus Anderson
University of Miami Medical Development
1120 NW 14 th Street MedDev R100, 9 th Floor Miami, Florida 33136
OR
Humane Society of Broward County
2070 Griffin Road Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312.
For online donations: https://humanebroward.com/donate/
Arrangements made by Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care.
Radius Condominium Atrium
Russo Family Home
© 2026 Boyd Panciera. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Lawanda Williams
June 19, 2025, 6:35 pm
Hank & Family, we are so sorry for your loss. Lauren was a sweet soul and will be sorely missed. May you find comfort in the peace and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Love, Mike & Lawanda
Calvin Sllber
June 19, 2025, 8:25 pm
I Calvin SILBER and my wife Jo will be attending the celebration of life for Lauren at the Russo home. The invitation is very dear to us. Thank you sent him a text.
Calvin Sllber
June 19, 2025, 8:53 pm
Calvin Silber and my wife Jo will be attending the celebration of life at the Russo home. Thank you in advance for this invitation.
Dorian
June 19, 2025, 9:06 pm
My deepest condolences to all of Lauren’s loving family. I was fortunate to have met and spent a little time visiting with Lauren on a couple of her trips to her family in North Carolina and can fully understand why she was so loved by so many. I know you all have very fond memories of this beautiful person. Till you meet again …
Caselli Monique
June 19, 2025, 10:45 pm
I will be thinking about you on both dates and wish I could be there.
I have fond memories of a truly remarkable human being.
Monique
Shirley Sessions
June 20, 2025, 3:00 am
A beautiful spirit who touched everyone she met in the most joyful way. Her hugs were the absolute best. Condolences to Hank, family, and friends.
Alex McCrae
June 20, 2025, 11:58 am
May you find strength and peace in the memories you shared with your loved one.”:
Cal & Jo Silber
June 20, 2025, 1:55 pm
We are heartbroken over the loss of our dear friend Lauren. She was a devoted nurse who spent so many years selflessly caring for others, always with grace and compassion. But beyond her profession, Lauren was a truly beautiful woman—inside and out.
She battled cancer with a strength and courage that inspired everyone around her. Through every challenge, she remained full of love, hope, and resilience. Lauren was the strongest woman we know, and her spirit will live on in all of us who were lucky enough to have her as our friend.
May her memory be a blessing, and may we find comfort in knowing how deeply she was loved by her husband and her family.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Cal & Jo
Karen Preslar
June 20, 2025, 8:20 pm
I have known Lauren since 1977. Thanks to starting that year working with her precious Mom, I was blessed to know Lauren and her siblings. Lauren was always honest and direct which I always appreciated! She was strong and very determined in everything she did! Those traits were gifts she graciously inherited from her Mom! I am happy you are in your forever home, healed, full of joy and pain free. Our hearts of your family and all who loved you are left with painful chunks from our hearts. I send prayers for peace and love from God to bestow all that knew and loved her so!💜
Elsie Romano
June 20, 2025, 9:21 pm
I’m so bereft to hear Lauren’s passing. She was a great mentor/preceptor when I started in SICU (1988). She will surely be missed. Rest in eternal peace Lauren.🙏🏼 My deepest condolence to the family.
Bill & Pati Bennett
June 21, 2025, 10:11 am
Our heartfelt condolences to Hank and family.
Lauren embodied courage and grace.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bill & Pati
Charles E Paoli 111
June 21, 2025, 1:24 pm
Our deepest condolences to you Hank and your entire family. Lauren. “Nurse cupcake” was a true Angel 😇 she was absolutely the sweetest, nicest person that I, we have ever been around in my lifetime. Rest in peace Lauren no more pain, and now just sit back and enjoy the rest of your time sitting next to the Lord Jesus Christ in Heaven. We will all truly miss you 😔 God bless you. Charlie and Flora
Frances Rayner
June 21, 2025, 7:13 pm
Lauren Is the Face I looked for when the chaos around us looked uncertain. I would look for her Radiant Smile, ever present, no matter what the circumstances. I will miss you my friend. Sail with the angels for you are now one.
Patti Ward Neidlinger
June 21, 2025, 10:07 pm
Oh Hank-I’m sending you much love and my deepest sympathy. She was a wonder woman for sure. Prayers for the repose of her soul and strength and comfort for all. 🙏🙏
Carmen Pelaez
June 22, 2025, 7:44 pm
I am truly heartbroken by this loss. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Lauren was one of the kindest and most loving people I’ve ever known, and her absence will be deeply felt. She will be missed more than words can express.
Marti Paul
June 23, 2025, 1:44 am
I thank you Lauren for being an amazing mentor in a fast paced ICU. And I appreciate staying in touch throughout the years. Rest well.
Lester Tellez
June 25, 2025, 2:44 pm
On behalf of the Board of Directors and the entire team at Radius Condominium, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.
Mrs. Lauren McDowell was a truly remarkable person, known for her radiant smile and uplifting spirit. She will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Please know that we are here for you and wish you comfort, peace, and strength in the days ahead.
With deepest sympathy,
Radius Family
Sandra Bovell
June 27, 2025, 11:54 pm
Condolences to Hank and his entire family. Lauren will be miss by all, but her memory will live on in our hearts.
She was a model of grace always with a smile and a wonderful person to chat with. May her memories give you all joy I know it will put a smile on your face .
May she sleep in peace .
Buffy
August 8, 2025, 2:03 pm
I miss our lil messenger chats Lauren. My deepest condolences to the family. Sleep in Peace till we meet again sweet nurse.
Theresa Lynn Lee
November 10, 2025, 11:28 pm
Dear Hank, Lauren delivered my son, who also passed away on June 16, the day after Lauren. We were planning on going to her ceremonies as all of my four children and I adored her. I have the greatest comfort knowing he is there with her.
With love, Terry Lee