Mary J. Lawrence
1920 – 2009
FARMINGTON — On Sunday, Oct. 25, Mary mailed completed proofs of a last book to her employer. On Monday, she was admitted to Franklin Memorial Hospital with chest discomfort. On Tuesday, Oct. 27, she died in the loving presence of close friend Marion Hutchinson and her doctor, Kimberly Gooch.
Mary Josephine Lawrence, 88, was born in Doylestown, Pa., Dec. 7, 1920, daughter of Joseph S. and Anna Werner Lawrence. She graduated from the University of Vermont in 1943. A life-long advocate of education and literacy, she worked for many years as a proof-reader and copy editor for Curtis Publishing of Philadelphia. During these years, she lived with and cared for her elderly mother.
After her mother’s death, she chose to live in Wilton, a town she had always loved. She was employed by Thorndike Press in Waterville. She had a remarkable work ethic. She enjoyed working into her 80s, proud to be consistently one of Thorndike’s most able proof-readers. She often said that the work kept her mind sharp. And sharp it was. She read widely, listened to classical music, followed current events, and studied history.
Above all, she loved, respected, and appreciated animals, especially dogs. She contributed to many wildlife organizations, and she lived with a dog or a cat as long as her health allowed. When she was no longer able to keep a pet, she lavished interest and attention on the animals of friends.
Along with her intellectual interests, her work, and her beloved animals, she was a caring and loyal friend. She enjoyed a serious conversation almost as much as she appreciated a good joke and a laugh with close friends. She was witty, direct, and honest, a generous and interested companion, and she loved Wilton and Wilton people.
Her affiliations included Wiltona, Wilton Historical Society, First Congregational Church of Wilton, American Association of University Women, Franklin Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, and Colonial Daughters Chapter of DAR, including a term as secretary.
For her, friends were family, and she will be fondly remembered by many. In addition to these friends, she is survived by a half brother, Bruce Lawrence of North Carolina; a niece, Jennifer; and nephew, Jonathan.
She was predeceased by her parents; and a brother, Joseph.