In loving memory of

Joanne Marie Lawson
February 5, 1936 - February 25, 2004

Portsmouth, RI - Joanne Marie McCarthy Lawson, 68, of 59 Birchwood Drive Portsmouth, died Wednesday, February 25, 2004 at Rhode Island Hospital Providence, RI.She was the devoted wife of Bruce Ellis Lawson of Portsmouth, RI. Born in Brockton, MA on February 5, 1936, she was a loving daughter of the late James and Maude Geary McCarthy. Raised in Avon, MA, Mrs. Lawson was a 1953 graduate of Avon High School. Her life?s commitment was to her husband, children, family and friends. She was active in the planning and organizing of her 50th class reunion. Mrs. Lawson worked as a hairdresser prior to and while she was raising her family. She was a member of St. Peters Lutheran Church in Newport, RI. Mrs. Lawson was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and the Leukemia Society. She also initiated the formation of Cub Scout Pack #66 of Portsmouth, RI. Besides her husband she is survived by four sons Bruce Eric Lawson of Portsmouth, RI, George Allen Lawson of Kittery, ME, Stephen James Lawson of Middletown, RI, and Craig Daniel Lawson of Portsmouth, RI, two daughters Laurie Anne Ratigan of East Greenwich, RI, and Julie Anne Vieira of Bristol, RI, two brothers James McCarthy of Marlboro, MA, and Gary McCarthy of East Bridgewater, MA, her sister Elaine Dombrosky of Brockton, MA, seventeen grandchildren and one great grandson.She was the grandmother of the late Kristyn Marie Lawson. Her funeral will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2004, at 11:00 AM in St. Peters Lutheran Church, 525 Broadway, Newport. Burial will be in Trinity Cemetery in Portsmouth. Donatins in her memory may be made to the Leukemia Society Of America, RI Chapter, 75 Sockanosset Crossroads, Suite 206, Po Box 8099, Cranston, RI 02910.

Tributes

Donna PhillipsGriffin - March.. wrote on Feb 25, 2004:

"Dear Elaine, Gary and Family, Our hearts are with you during this time of sorrow. May it help you to know that the people you and Joanne have known all your lives are thinking of you today."

Bill & Yvonne Simpson - March .. wrote on Feb 25, 2004:

"Dear Bruce and Family, We were saddened to hear of Joanne's recent passing. Doug Marshall called us today. If there is any consolation in knowing that in the 45 years we have known you and Joanne, you have been the most devoted husband and wife as well as parents, of anyone we have ever met. Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. Bill and Yvonne Simpson"

Louise Hebert - February 28, 2.. wrote on Feb 25, 2004:

"Laurie I am so sorry for your loss. Your Mom was a lot of fun to be with when you and Lance went to school especially at the games she was a beautiful lady.My deepest sympathy toyou and all your family. Louise Hebert"

John, Lisa, Lauren and Ryan Souza wrote on Feb 25, 2004:

"Our sympathy and prayers go out to all of you, especially to Craig's Family our thoughts are with you."

Bob & Natalie Floren - Februar.. wrote on Feb 25, 2004:

"Although we can't be with you our hearts and our prayers are. All the love and wonderful memories you have of Joanne will help to get you through this sad time. Our Love to you all. Bob and Natalie"

Jim Geary - February 27, 2004 .. wrote on Feb 25, 2004:

"Iam very sorry,more than words can ever say.But you do have your precious memmories that will always be with you. Love Jim."

SisterMarylynnDombrosky - Febr.. wrote on Feb 25, 2004:

"My deepest Sympathy to the McCarthy family, and to the Lawson family. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Sister Marylynn Dombrosky"

Linda & Marty Cottreau - Febru.. wrote on Feb 25, 2004:

"Marty and I are sorry for your loss. We know how loving your families are, and hope you will be comforted by the many happy memories you share. We were privileged to have met her."

Gary McCarthy & Family - Febru.. wrote on Feb 25, 2004:

"Joanne..Sister and Aunt. Your memory will live with us forever. You will be missed. xo Love from Gary, Patty, Michelle & Melissa"

Peter Spagna - February 27, 20.. wrote on Feb 25, 2004:

"Im very sorry to hear of Joanne's passing...God bless you all and may Joanne rest in peace...peter and sandy"

Vance and Shirley Lenzi - Febr.. wrote on Feb 25, 2004:

"I was very saddened to hear of your Mother's passing. I always enjoyed talking and laughing with her. I'm sorry I cannot attend the services, as there is a death in our family as well. Lorraine Raposa, mother-in-law of our daughter Kristen Lenzi Raposadied suddenly and she will be waked this weekend at this funeral home. God Bless your Mom. May she rest in Peace."

Ellen Schmidt - February 26, 2.. wrote on Feb 25, 2004:

"Dear Elaine and family, I will always remember Joanne's lovely smile and twinklng blue eyes. The last time I saw Joanne in Florida we spent a wonderful day at her nephews wedding. I shall always remember it, she was a special person."

John Michael and Diana Skaggs .. wrote on Feb 25, 2004:

"All of us at Curves-Tiverton will sorely miss Joanne's presence here and the upbeat atmosphere she brought with her when she came to exercise."