Lillian A. Lawrence Simard

A service will be held at St. Joseph’s Church, 49 Woodland Street, Fitchburg, MA on Friday, October 5, 2018 at 12 noon. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Church at the above address or the American Heart Association, PO Box 417005. Boston, MA 02241.



Lillian A. Lawrence, 87.

 

Lillian A. Lawrence “Lil” 87, passed away September 28, 2018.

Mrs. Lawrence was born July 17, 1931, in Fitchburg to the late Joseph and Bertha Simard (Chouinard). Mrs. Lawrence grew up in Cleghorn, attending St. Joseph’s School and then St. Bernard’s Central Catholic High School.  She lived in the house she was born in until she was 63 years old.

Mrs. Lawrence worked for many years at Barone’s Pharmacy (later CVS) on Electric Avenue as a clerk and pharmacy assistant. She also delivered meals for the elderly for the Meals on Wheels program in Fitchburg.

Mrs. Lawrence was a lifelong member of the St. Joseph’s Parish. She remained active in the church well into her later years, having participated in multiple church events and activities, including the St. Joseph’s parent-teacher association, and the church’s Annual Bazaar and talent show. Mrs. Lawrence was also a proud member of the Ladies of Saint Anne and the Our Lady of Fatima Society.

In 1994, Mrs. Lawrence moved with her husband to their summer home (“the Camp”) on Wyman Pond in Westminster on a permanent basis, but she never felt she really left Cleghorn and remained a constant presence there. She was a frequent sight on Wyman’s pond, enjoying long pontoon boat rides with her family and friends.

She also enjoyed spending time with her family and friends especially her grand and great grandchildren, who she adored. She made sure everyone kept in touch in the family and always had the latest news. She was the glue that held the family together; its matriarch. Lil loved cooking and feeding people and would never take no for an answer. All guests at the Camp were always hungry – whether they knew it or not.

Mrs. Lawrence brought a spark to the room and will forever be remembered for her conviviality, wit and banter. Mrs. Lawrence touched all who were fortunate enough to know her.

She leaves a daughter Paula Lawrence and companion William Maynard of Fitchburg; granddaughter Lauryn Donaldson, husband Shane, and great grandchildren Kaylie & Jacob of West Boylston, grandson Stephen Holstrom and wife Amelia of Wilbraham, MA, and great grandchildren Carter and Reid. She also leaves sisters Theresa Lomme of Leominster, Marion Webster of Woodland Hills, California, and sister in law Shirley Nolette of Westminster, many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Donald, her daughter Donna Holstrom of Gardner, sisters Rita Leonard, Lucille Rivers, Stella Courtemanche, brother Roland Simard, and sister in law Evelyn “Sis” Leger.