Miriam Laster, aged 95, died on Thursday June 25, 2026, in Hackettstown, New Jersey. Born in Springfield, Massachusetts on July 6, 1930, Miriam was raised by her foster mother, Gertrude Messier, in Weston, Massachusetts. After graduating high school, she became the first in her family to attend university, receiving her BA in English Literature in 1951 from Radcliffe College (incorporated into Harvard College in 1999). She later earned her MA in Medieval History.

Radcliffe was also the place where Miriam met her husband, Howard. They married in 1952 and spent the next three decades together until Howard’s death in 1986. Miriam and Howard had four children together – Lisa, Jon, Jenny and Sally – who they raised as Howard’s academic career took them from the University of Maryland to the University of Iowa. Miriam was a star in university society, hailed as a creative genius for her cocktail and dinner parties, which were known for their diverse guest lists and vibrant conversations.

The Laster’s travelled extensively, which allowed Miriam to pursue her passion for art, architecture and history. She was also a dedicated amateur musician, excelling at the piano, harpsichord and recorder.

After her husband’s death, Miriam moved to Norway, Maine, where she bought and refurbished an 18th century Greek Revival farmhouse. She decorated the house with a combination of whimsy and historical accuracy, a reflection of her own passions and personality.

Miriam spent her later years travelling the world and spending time with her seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She was a “lightning-in-a-bottle” grandmother, adventurous, with a sharp sense of humor and a no-nonsense approach to life. She also loved animals and had several dogs and cats throughout her life.

Her two eldest children, Lisa and Jon, died in 2012 and 2009. Miriam is survived by her daughters Jenny (Alonzo) and Sally (David), her grandchildren Åse, Hanna, John, Joseph, Emma, Charlie and Linda, and her great-grandchildren.

A celebration of her life will be announced shortly.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that friends make memorial contributions to Americans United and Partners in Health.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. For those wishing to leave online condolences for the family, please visit, www.cochranfuneral.com