Lawrence, Gwendolyn Verna (McDougall), 84, of Pawtucket, R.I., on September 3, 2012.
Lawrence, Gwendolyn Verna (McDougall) of Pawtucket, R.I. left this world to be with God on September 3, 2012. For the last few years she resided at Cedarcrest Nursing Home in Cranston, suffering from Alzheimer’s. My mother was born in Caribou, Maine on October 26, 1927.
She is preceded in death by her brothers, Bill and Larry. She is survived by her sisters, Harriet and Jackie. She leaves her husband of 50 years, Jack Lawrence; my sister, Sheri Carlosmosto and myself, Greg MacDougall and 16 great-grandchildren behind, along with my mother’s best friend of 50 years, Carol McLaughlin.
My mother was an accomplished dancer (Ballet) and writer, after earning her Master’s degree from the University of Rhode Island as an adult. She, with her friend Carol, were in the forefront from the 60’s until the 90’s working for women’s rights at the University and throughout Rhode Island and Mass. She wrote a New York best seller called “The Last Camilles”, documenting the three plus years she lived and suffered in the late 40’s from TB, having to leave her new child behind, while being treated in a TB sanitarium in Rutland, Mass. Mom was a very complex, caring and giving person. She suffered from the illnesses of life far more than any person should ever have to. She taught me humility and fair play.
I will miss her more than can be said as we all will. I will not let her leave this earth without the respect she sorely earned in this life of the living. Shame on those that abandon the effort of memory of their loved ones. I never will.
