Obituary of Lauren Elise Benishek

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Lauren Elise Benishek, 36, of Baltimore, MD, left this world unexpectedly on Saturday, March 11, 2023. She is survived by her parents, Barry and Katherine, younger sister, Kaitlin (husband Ryan Cummins), and adoring dog, Oslo. Lauren is also survived by a large and loving extension of family and friends from around the world.

Born in Fairfax, VA on June 19, 1986, Lauren grew up in Herndon, VA, and graduated from Herndon High School, Class of 2004. She was a proud Hokie and received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Virginia Tech where she double majored in Psychology and Spanish with a minor in Creative Writing. Lauren continued her studies at the University of Central Florida where she earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial/Organizational Psychology in 2014. 

Lauren put her knowledge into action as an I/O Psychologist, Research Fellow, and Assistant Professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine’s Armstrong Institute for Patient Safety and Quality. Her work was guided by her caring nature and passion for helping others. She was dedicated to improving occupational well-being, teamwork processes and performance, and safety in healthcare settings. Some of her past scientific writings appear in peer-reviewed outlets including The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety, Simulation in Healthcare, Medical Science Educator, and most recently The Journal of the American Medical Association.

Lauren lived her life to the fullest. Her limitless spirit of adventure and love for travel took her from the deserts of Saudi Arabia to the glaciers of Iceland and many places in between. Lauren was most at peace when she was in nature and found joy in immersing herself in the outdoors. She was always looking forward to her next trip to a new National Park where she could camp, rock climb, bike, or hike. When Lauren wasn’t getting her hands dirty, she could be found reading a good book, attending concerts with her friends, or working on home improvement projects. Never one to shy away from a challenge, she conquered any obstacle in her path whether it was summiting a mountain, learning how to change her own brake pads, or establishing life in a new city. No matter where Lauren’s adventures led her, her resilience and outgoing personality helped her build strong friendships and a solid community with her neighbors, colleagues, Zeta Tau Alpha sisters, biking friends, and climbing friends. 

Above all, Lauren was a loving daughter, supportive sister, loyal friend, and devoted dog mom. Though her loss has left a void in the lives of everyone who knew her, she will be remembered for her incredible accomplishments, brilliant mind, strong-will, witty sense of humor, passion to help others, enthusiasm for life, and radiating positive energy. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Lauren’s honor can be made to the National Park Foundation, ASPCA, or your local animal shelter.

Reception to follow, details available at funeral home after service.