Beloved Mother, Grandmother Great-Grandmother and Friend Laura gracefully danced out of our lives November 24, 2007 at the age of 93.
For as long as she lived, Laura Lawson danced through life. She greeted each day with hope and anticipation.
Had anyone asked Gram what her finest legacy to the world would be, she wouldn't have hesitated to say, "My family". She leaves behind generations who loved her dearly and while each knows we have lost a link to the past with her death, I hope we will find comfort in remembering she will always be our hope for the future.
While many of us begrudgingly spend our winters in these deep Minnesota snows wishing we were elsewhere, Gram loved it here. She loved the weather and the changing seasons. She loved to watch the sun rise and set and she seemed to find contentment with each passing day.
Gram was gifted with many talents, but perhaps her sewing abilities were her best. She made her own clothes of boldly printed cloth and even sewed her own underwear. She helped with our wedding gowns, sewed for the children and recovered every pillow in sight. Her sewing machine matched her age but it worked like a charm and I am sure that in my own lifetime, I'll never see a seamstress who could match her talent.
As most of you know, Gram lived with us for about 20 months. During that time we cared for her and her little dog, Susie. Susie was the delight of her life and when she realized she couldn't care for her anymore, she rehomed her with a broken heart. I can remember them sleeping outside on a cot where she enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine and that for hours that dog would lie still, knowing her master was at rest.
When her journey in this world was near an end, she asked for us – and for her little Susie. She and Susie hugged and kissed and as they shared their last visit, Susie licked her face and wagged her tail. Gram seemed so delighted. I'll always be glad for that last visit.
During her 93 years on this earth, Gram experienced both a lot of joy and a lot of heartache. When the love of her life, Al, died at Christmas time several years ago, it seemed to knock the wind out of her sail. However, just as she had each and every day beforehand, she made lemonade from lemons and moved on with dignity and grace.
Gram was a youthful person in spirit and body. Gram was the youngest looking 93 year old. Her day always brightened when told how young she looked. She took vitamins, ballroom dancing and ate right. I don't think there was ever a time in her life when she was more than 5 pounds from her goal weight. She sought the eternal fountain of youth and my hope is that she'd found it in her next life.
I admired Gram's tenacious attitude on life and that with her optimistic nature she always knew things would work out. I admired her true appreciation of nature and wondered how I could dread the long winter days when she looked so forward to them. I admired her love of family and that she was always waiting for a hug and happy to give one in return. She always held me tight and even when my own hugging was thru; she still squeezed hard, as if sharing her love with me through her arms.
Gram kept young through the activities she enjoyed. She loved sports and watched baseball, football and basketball with passion. She especially loved the Timber Wolves, the Chicago Bulls, the Vikings and the Bears. She also loved Opera and was especially fond of Andrea Bocelli and Sara Brightman. She could listen to them for hours on end.
Gifted with the soul of an artist, she found great outlet in acting in senior groups. In years gone by, she belonged to a seniors group that performed in Chicago. They were called the Checkerboard Squares. When she came back to Minnesota, she joined the Cut Ups. These groups performed at nursing homes and high schools and whether they entertained a large or small group, she loved it.
She was the consummate ham and she loved the spotlight. Of course, she was always happy to work behind the scenes too and sewed many beautiful costumesfor the groups over the years.
She loved dancing and enjoyed dancing the Rumba. When her Rumba partner passed, she performed solo; wearing a bare midriff costume that was so bright it sparkled. Even at 90 she was performing and dancing and enjoyed each and every minute of it!
Gram was a role model for those who seek the fountain of youth. She posed for pictures with her chest out and chin up. She never shied away from the camera (as most of us do) and she never shied way from life. She danced through life – figuratively and literally – and I know that wherever she is now, she's doing the same.
If I find comfort in Gram's passing, it's to know that she's now breathing with ease. She's dancing up a storm with Al – and she's watching over us making sure that we enjoy life with as much energy and enthusiasm as she did!
Rest well, Gram. You were a joy to know and you will be missed.
Diane
For as long as she lived, Laura Lawson danced through life. She greeted each day with hope and anticipation.
Had anyone asked Gram what her finest legacy to the world would be, she wouldn't have hesitated to say, "My family". She leaves behind generations who loved her dearly and while each knows we have lost a link to the past with her death, I hope we will find comfort in remembering she will always be our hope for the future.
While many of us begrudgingly spend our winters in these deep Minnesota snows wishing we were elsewhere, Gram loved it here. She loved the weather and the changing seasons. She loved to watch the sun rise and set and she seemed to find contentment with each passing day.
Gram was gifted with many talents, but perhaps her sewing abilities were her best. She made her own clothes of boldly printed cloth and even sewed her own underwear. She helped with our wedding gowns, sewed for the children and recovered every pillow in sight. Her sewing machine matched her age but it worked like a charm and I am sure that in my own lifetime, I'll never see a seamstress who could match her talent.
As most of you know, Gram lived with us for about 20 months. During that time we cared for her and her little dog, Susie. Susie was the delight of her life and when she realized she couldn't care for her anymore, she rehomed her with a broken heart. I can remember them sleeping outside on a cot where she enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine and that for hours that dog would lie still, knowing her master was at rest.
When her journey in this world was near an end, she asked for us – and for her little Susie. She and Susie hugged and kissed and as they shared their last visit, Susie licked her face and wagged her tail. Gram seemed so delighted. I'll always be glad for that last visit.
During her 93 years on this earth, Gram experienced both a lot of joy and a lot of heartache. When the love of her life, Al, died at Christmas time several years ago, it seemed to knock the wind out of her sail. However, just as she had each and every day beforehand, she made lemonade from lemons and moved on with dignity and grace.
Gram was a youthful person in spirit and body. Gram was the youngest looking 93 year old. Her day always brightened when told how young she looked. She took vitamins, ballroom dancing and ate right. I don't think there was ever a time in her life when she was more than 5 pounds from her goal weight. She sought the eternal fountain of youth and my hope is that she'd found it in her next life.
I admired Gram's tenacious attitude on life and that with her optimistic nature she always knew things would work out. I admired her true appreciation of nature and wondered how I could dread the long winter days when she looked so forward to them. I admired her love of family and that she was always waiting for a hug and happy to give one in return. She always held me tight and even when my own hugging was thru; she still squeezed hard, as if sharing her love with me through her arms.
Gram kept young through the activities she enjoyed. She loved sports and watched baseball, football and basketball with passion. She especially loved the Timber Wolves, the Chicago Bulls, the Vikings and the Bears. She also loved Opera and was especially fond of Andrea Bocelli and Sara Brightman. She could listen to them for hours on end.
Gifted with the soul of an artist, she found great outlet in acting in senior groups. In years gone by, she belonged to a seniors group that performed in Chicago. They were called the Checkerboard Squares. When she came back to Minnesota, she joined the Cut Ups. These groups performed at nursing homes and high schools and whether they entertained a large or small group, she loved it.
She was the consummate ham and she loved the spotlight. Of course, she was always happy to work behind the scenes too and sewed many beautiful costumesfor the groups over the years.
She loved dancing and enjoyed dancing the Rumba. When her Rumba partner passed, she performed solo; wearing a bare midriff costume that was so bright it sparkled. Even at 90 she was performing and dancing and enjoyed each and every minute of it!
Gram was a role model for those who seek the fountain of youth. She posed for pictures with her chest out and chin up. She never shied away from the camera (as most of us do) and she never shied way from life. She danced through life – figuratively and literally – and I know that wherever she is now, she's doing the same.
If I find comfort in Gram's passing, it's to know that she's now breathing with ease. She's dancing up a storm with Al – and she's watching over us making sure that we enjoy life with as much energy and enthusiasm as she did!
Rest well, Gram. You were a joy to know and you will be missed.
Diane
Beloved Mother, Grandmother Great-Grandmother and Friend Laura gracefully danced out of our lives November 24, 2007 at the age of 93.
For as long as she lived, Laura Lawson danced through life. She greeted each day with hope and anticipation.
Had anyone asked Gram what her finest legacy to the world would be, she wouldn't have hesitated to say, "My family". She leaves behind generations who loved her dearly and while each knows we have lost a link to the past with her death, I hope we will find comfort in remembering she will always be our hope for the future.
While many of us begrudgingly spend our winters in these deep Minnesota snows wishing we were elsewhere, Gram loved it here. She loved the weather and the changing seasons. She loved to watch the sun rise and set and she seemed to find contentment with each passing day.
Gram was gifted with many talents, but perhaps her sewing abilities were her best. She made her own clothes of boldly printed cloth and even sewed her own underwear. She helped with our wedding gowns, sewed for the children and recovered every pillow in sight. Her sewing machine matched her age but it worked like a charm and I am sure that in my own lifetime, I'll never see a seamstress who could match her talent.
As most of you know, Gram lived with us for about 20 months. During that time we cared for her and her little dog, Susie. Susie was the delight of her life and when she realized she couldn't care for her anymore, she rehomed her with a broken heart. I can remember them sleeping outside on a cot where she enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine and that for hours that dog would lie still, knowing her master was at rest.
When her journey in this world was near an end, she asked for us – and for her little Susie. She and Susie hugged and kissed and as they shared their last visit, Susie licked her face and wagged her tail. Gram seemed so delighted. I'll always be glad for that last visit.
During her 93 years on this earth, Gram experienced both a lot of joy and a lot of heartache. When the love of her life, Al, died at Christmas time several years ago, it seemed to knock the wind out of her sail. However, just as she had each and every day beforehand, she made lemonade from lemons and moved on with dignity and grace.
Gram was a youthful person in spirit and body. Gram was the youngest looking 93 year old. Her day always brightened when told how young she looked. She took vitamins, ballroom dancing and ate right. I don't think there was ever a time in her life when she was more than 5 pounds from her goal weight. She sought the eternal fountain of youth and my hope is that she'd found it in her next life.
I admired Gram's tenacious attitude on life and that with her optimistic nature she always knew things would work out. I admired her true appreciation of nature and wondered how I could dread the long winter days when she looked so forward to them. I admired her love of family and that she was always waiting for a hug and happy to give one in return. She always held me tight and even when my own hugging was thru; she still squeezed hard, as if sharing her love with me through her arms.
Gram kept young through the activities she enjoyed. She loved sports and watched baseball, football and basketball with passion. She especially loved the Timber Wolves, the Chicago Bulls, the Vikings and the Bears. She also loved Opera and was especially fond of Andrea Bocelli and Sara Brightman. She could listen to them for hours on end.
Gifted with the soul of an artist, she found great outlet in acting in senior groups. In years gone by, she belonged to a seniors group that performed in Chicago. They were called the Checkerboard Squares. When she came back to Minnesota, she joined the Cut Ups. These groups performed at nursing homes and high schools and whether they entertained a large or small group, she loved it.
She was the consummate ham and she loved the spotlight. Of course, she was always happy to work behind the scenes too and sewed many beautiful costumesfor the groups over the years.
She loved dancing and enjoyed dancing the Rumba. When her Rumba partner passed, she performed solo; wearing a bare midriff costume that was so bright it sparkled. Even at 90 she was performing and dancing and enjoyed each and every minute of it!
Gram was a role model for those who seek the fountain of youth. She posed for pictures with her chest out and chin up. She never shied away from the camera (as most of us do) and she never shied way from life. She danced through life – figuratively and literally – and I know that wherever she is now, she's doing the same.
If I find comfort in Gram's passing, it's to know that she's now breathing with ease. She's dancing up a storm with Al – and she's watching over us making sure that we enjoy life with as much energy and enthusiasm as she did!
Rest well, Gram. You were a joy to know and you will be missed.
Diane
For as long as she lived, Laura Lawson danced through life. She greeted each day with hope and anticipation.
Had anyone asked Gram what her finest legacy to the world would be, she wouldn't have hesitated to say, "My family". She leaves behind generations who loved her dearly and while each knows we have lost a link to the past with her death, I hope we will find comfort in remembering she will always be our hope for the future.
While many of us begrudgingly spend our winters in these deep Minnesota snows wishing we were elsewhere, Gram loved it here. She loved the weather and the changing seasons. She loved to watch the sun rise and set and she seemed to find contentment with each passing day.
Gram was gifted with many talents, but perhaps her sewing abilities were her best. She made her own clothes of boldly printed cloth and even sewed her own underwear. She helped with our wedding gowns, sewed for the children and recovered every pillow in sight. Her sewing machine matched her age but it worked like a charm and I am sure that in my own lifetime, I'll never see a seamstress who could match her talent.
As most of you know, Gram lived with us for about 20 months. During that time we cared for her and her little dog, Susie. Susie was the delight of her life and when she realized she couldn't care for her anymore, she rehomed her with a broken heart. I can remember them sleeping outside on a cot where she enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine and that for hours that dog would lie still, knowing her master was at rest.
When her journey in this world was near an end, she asked for us – and for her little Susie. She and Susie hugged and kissed and as they shared their last visit, Susie licked her face and wagged her tail. Gram seemed so delighted. I'll always be glad for that last visit.
During her 93 years on this earth, Gram experienced both a lot of joy and a lot of heartache. When the love of her life, Al, died at Christmas time several years ago, it seemed to knock the wind out of her sail. However, just as she had each and every day beforehand, she made lemonade from lemons and moved on with dignity and grace.
Gram was a youthful person in spirit and body. Gram was the youngest looking 93 year old. Her day always brightened when told how young she looked. She took vitamins, ballroom dancing and ate right. I don't think there was ever a time in her life when she was more than 5 pounds from her goal weight. She sought the eternal fountain of youth and my hope is that she'd found it in her next life.
I admired Gram's tenacious attitude on life and that with her optimistic nature she always knew things would work out. I admired her true appreciation of nature and wondered how I could dread the long winter days when she looked so forward to them. I admired her love of family and that she was always waiting for a hug and happy to give one in return. She always held me tight and even when my own hugging was thru; she still squeezed hard, as if sharing her love with me through her arms.
Gram kept young through the activities she enjoyed. She loved sports and watched baseball, football and basketball with passion. She especially loved the Timber Wolves, the Chicago Bulls, the Vikings and the Bears. She also loved Opera and was especially fond of Andrea Bocelli and Sara Brightman. She could listen to them for hours on end.
Gifted with the soul of an artist, she found great outlet in acting in senior groups. In years gone by, she belonged to a seniors group that performed in Chicago. They were called the Checkerboard Squares. When she came back to Minnesota, she joined the Cut Ups. These groups performed at nursing homes and high schools and whether they entertained a large or small group, she loved it.
She was the consummate ham and she loved the spotlight. Of course, she was always happy to work behind the scenes too and sewed many beautiful costumesfor the groups over the years.
She loved dancing and enjoyed dancing the Rumba. When her Rumba partner passed, she performed solo; wearing a bare midriff costume that was so bright it sparkled. Even at 90 she was performing and dancing and enjoyed each and every minute of it!
Gram was a role model for those who seek the fountain of youth. She posed for pictures with her chest out and chin up. She never shied away from the camera (as most of us do) and she never shied way from life. She danced through life – figuratively and literally – and I know that wherever she is now, she's doing the same.
If I find comfort in Gram's passing, it's to know that she's now breathing with ease. She's dancing up a storm with Al – and she's watching over us making sure that we enjoy life with as much energy and enthusiasm as she did!
Rest well, Gram. You were a joy to know and you will be missed.
Diane
