Obituary of Carolyn Joy Lawrence

Carolyn (Callie) Joy Lawrence, age 103, passed away peacefully at her home in Lexington surrounded by her devoted family.  She was the beloved wife of the late Sumner (Sam) C. Lawrence, with whom she shared many wonderful years of marriage, prior to his passing in November, 1980.

Born in Winchester, MA on August 8, 1921, she was a daughter of the late John Henry and Lucy (Waterman) Joy.  Callie grew up in Winchester and graduated from Brimmer & May School in Boston.  She completed her scholastic endeavor in Early Education at Bennet College, New York. After college she worked as a classroom kindergarten teacher until her marriage. She moved to Lexington in 1948 with her husband Sumner, and they started their family soon thereafter.  Being a devoted wife and mother of three came naturally to Callie.  Supporting and nurturing children and helping them grow was something that brought immense meaning to Callie’s life for many years. Throughout her life she was an active civic and church volunteer contributing both her time and money for benevolent causes. Later in life she worked at McDonalds, then Lindt Chocolate in Burlington, enjoying being busy, and meeting new people. Of particular note, her last job she held till she turned 80 was with the Dana Home in Lexington taking of the elderly.

Callie was never one to shy away from hard work; juggling a husband, a growing family, and managing a household was no small task, but she always made it look easy.  She managed to find some free time, which she filled with peaceful hobbies that she loved, like reading, cross stitching, and knitting.  She also enjoyed traveling often with her family to various places such as the great National Parks, the Rockies, Alaska, Canada, England, Ireland, Scotland, Egypt, and even made it to Israel twice in her lifetime.  She traveled frequently throughout New England and further in her little Subaru finally giving up driving when she was 98. Callie worked hard her entire life so she could enjoy her retirement to the fullest.  She retired to Fitzwilliam, NH to her cottage on Laurel Lake in the summer and her bow house in Fitzwilliam for the winter.  She also spent 8 years retired in Bradenton, FL until her return “home” to New England.  She happily spent her days doting on her children and grandchildren, visiting with friends and family, and being involved and active in Christ Revolution Church where she was a member. She was a talented gardener indoors and out finding a colorful plant that would flourish in every space. As she grew older, she welcomingly moved back to Lexington to live with her daughter and son-in-law, and be close to her loving family.  What started as a short term stay while she searched for an apartment, quickly turned into her spending the next 29 years with them.  In those years her family was there for her, and she was there for them; whether it be for a good laugh or a watchful eye.  Callie never wasted a moment of her gift of time with family, and used it to bring as much love and joy to their lives as she could.  Her presence alone left cherished, lasting memories with everyone who loved her most. She was the best mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a truly wonderful, delightful mother-in-law. She was a constant in our lives. A source of stability for the whole extended family.   

Surviving Callie are her dear children, Keith E. Lawrence of Waltham, and Joy Lawrence Terry and her husband Phil of Lexington; her four beloved grandchildren, Marc Lawrence of Lowell, Jon Lawrence and his wife Lisa and their son Joshua of Chelmsford, Monica Terry Simmons and her husband Kevin and their daughter Emma of Groton, and Rachel Terry Renaud and her husband Kenneth of Bourne, Sara LeBrun and her husband Seamus LaValley of Plymouth, Rebecca LeBrun and her husband Derek Kelley of Everett, as well as many dear nieces, nephews, and relatives in the extended Joy family. 

Callie was the loving mother of the late Peter Lawrence who passed in childhood in 1954, and Sumner (Larry) C. Lawrence, Jr. who passed in 2001. She was a sister to the late Dorothy (Joy) Sargent, Franklin Joy, John Joy, and Thomas Joy.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service for Callie on Sunday, October 6 at 2:00 p.m., Christ Revolution Church/St. Paul’s Evangelical Church, 451 Lowell St., Lexington.  A collation and family reception at the church will follow the service.  At the request of the family, all burial services will be held privately.  As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations in Carolyn’s honor may be made to: Beth Israel Lahey Health (BILH) at Home, https://BILHatHome.org/Giving, Supporting home health and hospice care in Eastern Massachusetts or: Christ Revolution Church, 451 Lowell Street, Lexington, MA 02421.