Lauren Marie Bajuk

Lauren Marie Bajuk was born June 16, 2002, in Fort Worth, Texas, and passed away on Friday, June 24, 2022, in a tragic car accident at the age of 20.
Lauren lived in Bedford, Texas, and attended grades K-12 in the Hurst Euless Bedford School District. In 2020, she graduated from L.D. Bell High School as an International Baccalaureate Diploma recipient and was ranked #8 of nearly 800 in her class. Lauren was class Treasurer and participated in many clubs and activities. She absolutely loved the LD Bell Blue Raider Marching Band and was the first female Brass Captain in the school’s recorded history.
At the time of death, Lauren was a Junior at The University of Texas at Austin, where she was accepted into the Canfield Business Honors Program in the McCombs School of Business. She was on the Dean’s Honor List every semester and recently received an Honors with Distinction award, as she was in the top 4% of students. Lauren was majoring in Business with a minor in Mandarin Chinese and she was excited about being chosen for a special opportunity to study at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in January 2023. Lauren was also a very proud member of the Longhorn Marching Band and was set to be a mellophone section leader for the upcoming Fall football season. She was a member of AIESEC as the Social Events Chair and was also in the Business Honors Association. Lauren recently competed in the Protiviti Case Competition at UT where she and teammates took home first place for their teamwork and intellect. Her future was bright.
While Lauren’s accomplishments are many, it was her kindness and incredible wit that touched all who knew her. She was funny, and she inspired those around her to be better; her compassion was exemplary. At her core, she was a family person - a devoted daughter and loyal sister to her brother. She had a spirit of giving, and created many handmade artistic items for friends and family members, including hand-painted portraits inscribed with personal notes on the back. Her deep friendships were plentiful and enriched her life beyond words.
LAUREN LOVED LIFE. Her studies were always at the forefront of her priority list, but she also managed to regularly work-in eclectic music, had a wide circle of friends, enjoyed great food, travel, and Asian culture. She filled every minute with new adventures, and her life goal was to travel the world. She had a passion for performing music – be it French Horn, Mellophone, or Ukulele -- and she had the ability to create, perform and inspire. She was also an incredible athlete and teammate. She explored a long list of sports over the years, but her definitive favorite was volleyball. She played on several select volleyball teams and played intramural volleyball while at UT.
Lauren possessed a unique absence of any prejudice. She never assigned any pre-judgement, but rather she saw people for who they are -- seeing their purest soul. She made everyone around her feel comfortable, valued and loved. Lauren decided to attend UT because of its rich diversity and intense competitive nature of the honors program. Comments from her many friends included: “Lauren could have cured cancer.” “Lauren was going to be President.” “Lauren was a once-in-a-lifetime friend.”
Survivors include her mother Jane Stermer Bajuk, father Terence Sean Bajuk, brother Johnathan Bajuk, and a loving extended family; Grandparents Lois and Terence (Terry) Bajuk; Aunts and Uncles Peggy and Clark McMurtray, Sharon Stermer and Scott Hamiter, Karen and Mathew Howard, Pamela and Philip Doddridge; and a long list of special cousins and extended family. Lauren was preceded in death by grandparents Joyce Marie Stermer and Leonard Stermer.
Lauren’s family wishes to thank all friends and family for the outpouring of love during this incredibly difficult time. The heartfelt words and remembrances are truly meaningful.
Memorial Donations in Lauren’s name may be made to the L.D. Bell Band at P.O. Box 255, Bedford, TX 76095 or via this link: https://express.adobe.com/page/wn1MMhvFCNq6o/ She would be delighted to know that her untimely death helped an organization she loved so much.
Funeral Service will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, July 1, 2022. at First United Methodist Church, 521 W. Pipeline Road, Hurst Texas 76053. Viewing will be private for family only.