Sonya Cassian (Olszak) Lauritzen

Sonya Cassian (Olszak) Lauritzen, RN, BSN, of Pepperell, MA, passed away on March 18th, 2025, at the age of 54. A beloved and devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend.

Sonya is survived by her loving husband of 32 years, Michael Lauritzen; her children, Erik, and his wife Theodosia of Hartford ME, Dana, and Kristofer, both of Pepperell, MA. She is also survived by her parents, Joseph and Carole Olszak of Leominster, MA; her sister Natalie Conley and her husband Jason of Fitchburg, MA; her brother Jonathan Olszak and his wife Rebecca and their children, Gabe and Sophia of Virgina Beach, VA; her brother Peter Olszak and his children, Peter Jr. and Samuel of Troy, NH; and the family Jack Russell, Banjo.

Sonya was born on March 26th, 1970, to Joe and Carole Olszak and was raised in Fitchburg and Leominster MA with her sister and two brothers. She graduated from St. Bernard’s High School in 1988 and went on to earn a bachelor’s in nursing from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell in 1992. She started her nursing career as a labor and delivery nurse in the Lowell and Boston area. She then went on to become a school nurse in the North Middlesex School District in Townsend, MA. Her work as a school nurse made her smile every day.

Sonya and Michael met in college and were married on September 5th, 1992. They settled in West Townsend, MA and began raising their family of three boys. Sonya was the foundation of the family and was dedicated to ensuring that everyone was loved and cared for. Her sons and daughter-in-law meant everything to her and she dedicated herself to them. Sonya developed a passion for sewing quilts. Her quilts rest on and warm the many beds of family and friends. In her final 3 years she worked tirelessly on a regional, award-winning quilt dedicated to her sister. In 2015, the family moved to Pepperell, MA where she was able to follow her other passion of gardening. She spent many hours nurturing her roses and other beautiful flower beds. Sonya’s dedication to her family and friends will be deeply missed.

Relatives and friends will gather for visiting hours in the McGaffigan Funeral Home, 37 Main St. (Rte. 113) Pepperell, MA on Friday, March 28th from 4 – 8 pm. Sonya’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Grace Parish worshiping at St. Joseph Church, 28 Tarbell St., Pepperell, MA on Saturday, March 29th at 9 am. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Pepperell.

In addition to flowers, gifts may be made to UMass Memorial Health in memory of Sonya C. Lauritzen to support patient care at:

UMass Memorial Health
Office Of Philanthropy
365 Plantation Street, Biotech One – Suite 301
Worcester, MA 01605