LAWLEY, Jean Matheson 1923 - 2020
The family of Jean Matheson Lawley is heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved mother, Jean, 97, of Halifax, Nova Scotia, who passed away on July 5, 2020 at the QEII-Victoria General in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Mom was born in Little Narrows, Cape Breton, on May 5, 1923, the daughter of the late John Edward Matheson and Alena (MacLean) Matheson. Jean grew up in Little Narrows and often spoke fondly of her childhood on the farm, going for winter sleigh rides, and enjoying the beauty of nature. She graduated as a nurse from Glace Bay General Hospital School of Nursing in 1946. She worked at the Victoria General Hospital in Halifax, N.S., at the Veteran’s Hospital in Sainte-Ann-de-Bellevue, Quebec, and then returned to the Victoria General Hospital in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She worked for several years in her husband’s medical practice in Digby, Nova Scotia. The Heart and Stroke Foundation was one of many organizations she volunteered for over the years. Jean is predeceased by her husband, Dr. Alan MacDonald Lawley and survived by her five children, Karen Lawley, Halifax, NS; Dr. Tom Lawley (Elaine Lawley), Fort McMurray, AB; Anne Wilband (Pat Wilband) Kingston, NS; Heather Boucher (Dr. Martin Boucher) Wolfeboro, NH, USA; and Alan Lawley (Pam Eye), Salt Spring Island, BC. Jean leaves to mourn her ten grandchildren: Kristin Ness, Liam Ness, Erin Lawley, Dr. Morgan Lawley, Mark Lawley, Kelsey Wilband, Dylan Wilband, Matthew Boucher, Alex Boucher, and Jacqueline Boucher; as well as favourite niece, Jeanette Grant; several other nieces and nephews and their families, and ‘associate’ daughter, Christina Taylor. Jean was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by brothers, Norman, Malcolm, and Alexander, and sister, Margaret (Peggy) Kerr. Mom/Grammy had a wonderful sense of humour and brought joy and laughter into the lives of all who knew her. She maintained a positive attitude throughout her life often citing, in a calm voice, the expression “this too shall pass”. Mom/Grammy was an excellent cook and loved to bake; after school there was always homemade goodies waiting for her five children and any friends they brought along. Her brownies were the best ever! She made everyone who visited feel like family. Mom enjoyed spending 45+ summers at “the cabin” and property in Aberdeen, Cape Breton, hosting family gatherings and sharing amazing stories of growing up in Little Narrows. Sleeping bags on the floor and tents erected outside for the overflow accommodated various combinations of children and grandchildren. Much laughter and good times will be remembered, and the tradition of the family cabin will continue in mom’s memory. Mom was a member of the United Church Women and a cherished and active member of Fort Massey United Church for over 30 years. Arrangements have been entrusted to Cruickshank’s Funeral Home, Halifax, N.S. Visitation will be Friday, July 10, 2020 at Cruikshank’s Funeral Home from 5 -7 p.m. Funeral service will be held Saturday, July 11, 2020 at 2 p.m. at Fort Massey United Church, Halifax, with Rev. Trent Cleveland-Thompson officiating. A celebration of life and burial in Little Narrows Presbyterian Church cemetery is planned for the fall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Little Narrows Presbyterian Church, Little Narrows, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia; Fort Massey United Church, Halifax, Nova Scotia; or to a charity of your choice. Thank you to the QEII/VG Hospital staff, especially those in the Palliative Care Unit, for their care and support of Mom. Special mention to Dr. Liz Amos, nurses Andrea and Tara, and to the hospital chaplains for their comfort and support. Jean and her family greatly appreciated the music therapy provided by Joanne. The family would also like to thank everyone who has reached out to us during this difficult time. To leave an online condolence please visit www.cruikshankhalifaxfuneralhome.com