Lawrence, Carolyn J. Age 78, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 18 at home and surrounded by her loving family, for whom she was a lifelong gift and inspiration. She is survived by her husband, Mike; her five children, Melissa, Jon, Nate, Cara and Jerry; her sister, Phylly; and her uncle, Frank. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, her sons-, daughters- and brothers-in-law and her many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her wonderful children, Cindy and Tom. Carolyn's was a life dedicated to the service of others. While raising her young family in Jamestown, ND, she provided support to numerous disabled children and worked to improve public school education. She continued to work with disabled children and in the local school system after the family moved to Minneapolis and later to Portland, ME. After returning to Minneapolis, where she and her family have lived since 1976, Carolyn worked for Legal Aid, the Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association and as an advocate for Social Security disability applicants. For this and other work, she was recognized in 1999 with an Abbey Award for community service by Abbott Northwestern Hospital. A memorial service will be held Monday 12/21, at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel at Plymouth Congregational Church, 1900 Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis. A viewing will precede the service at 1:00 P.M., and a reception will be held in the Guild Hall immediately following the service. The family requests that gifts in lieu of flowers be made to the Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association, 821 E. 35th Street, Minneapolis, 55407.
