Obituary of Thelma Grace Lawrence

LAWRENCE, Thelma Grace (Jones) – Of Cookville. Passed away on April 7, 2024, at South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater. Her age will forever be 16.

Born on March 15, 1931, to her parents George “Shorty” and Elizabeth (Tooth) Jones. Thelma was born, raised, worked, went to church, and had many friends in Guelph, Ontario. Twice a year, Thelma came to NS to visit her only son (Paul Lawrence), daughter in law (Beth Lawrence), and grandsons, Dwight and Derek Lawrence, friends and Pleasantville neighbours. Then there was a special trip to NS to see Dwight and Megan (Eisenhauer) become married.

Thelma lived her life raising her son, Paul and being there for her, Mom (Lizzy) and Dad (Shorty), who lived right next door all of their lives. Thelma couldn't go shopping in Guelph without stopping to say hello to someone who recognized her. She was friendly, witty, outspoken, and always willing to help when there was a need. Thelma loved cats and dogs and cared for several over the years. She liked to garden flowers and at any given time you could find Thelma outside weeding the garden. Even in NS, she could be found on her hands and knees in the Pleasantville garden, or playing with the family dogs, Ringer or Bruiser.

Thelma loved her job as Secretary to the many Superintendents at the Guelph Correctional Center. The staff said “Thelma ran the place”. She broke in numerous new Superintendents over her 43 years working there. And she never forgot to send each one a birthday card every year, even after they moved on.

Besides her parents, Thelma was predeceased by her only child, Paul Lawrence. She is survived by daughter-in-law, Beth Lawrence, of Beach Meadows; grandsons, Dwight (Megan) Lawrence, of Sweetland, and Derek Lawrence, of Bedford; cousins, Kirk (Julia) Haigh, of Guelph, ON, and David Eastman, of Michigan, US.

The family would like to recognize the kind and outstanding care provided to Thelma by the EHS paramedics, SSRH Emergency staff, Ashwood Lodge staff in Cookville and The Madeline staff in Upper Hammonds Plains. We will all miss “Gran”/Thelma. May she rest in peace…

A Reception in Celebration of Thelma’s life will be held Friday, April 12, 2024, beginning at 6 pm – 8 pm, in Sweeny’s Funeral Home Reception Space, 35 York Street, Bridgewater, where you may enjoy refreshments, while sharing stories and condolences with the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lunenburg Co. SPCA, S.H.A.I.D. Tree Animal Shelter, or War Amps CHAMP Program. Arrangements have been entrusted to C.F. Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Bridgewater.