Dr. Mary Kennedy Lawler

July 01, 2008 02:10 pm

— Dr. Mary Kennedy Lawler, 65, passed away Wednesday, June 25, 2008. Mary is survived by Dr. James J. Lawler, her loving husband of 37 years; her four loving children, Craig, Diane, Jill and Erin; and her three loving siblings, Joan Osmun, Donna Kennedy and Bruce Kennedy.
Born in 1942 in Washington, D.C., and raised in Dearborn, Mich., Mary spent the majority of her life in service to others.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Pittsburgh.
She worked as a pediatric oncology nurse in the University of Pittsburgh after completing her master’s degree, during which time she met her future husband, James. After marrying in 1971, Mary moved with James to Stillwater, where he was employed as a professor in the Political Science Department at Oklahoma State University.
Mary’s professional achievements also include completing a PhD in family relations and child development, teaching family medicine in the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, serving on the Stillwater School Board for three terms and most recently serving as the director of OSU’s Upward Bound Math and Science program. Mary truly loved learning and helping others achieve and grow, especially children and young adults. Most importantly, Mary loved her family. Mary’s love for her husband, James, endured beyond the most difficult and challenging circumstances. Their bond sustained her throughout her illness. Being a loving mother to her four children was not only a point of pride, but a comfort during her battle with brain cancer. They are a shining example of her spirit, zest for life and dedication to others. Mary will be truly missed.
Memorial services are set for Saturday at 10:30 a.m., and will be held in the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Stan Warfield Jr. officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to either the Lawler family’s web site for care of her son, who is also fighting cancer, or to the National Brain Tumor Foundation. Links to these sites can be found at www.thelawlerfamily.org.
Condolences may be sent by using an online guestbook at www.pmcfh.com. Services are under the direction of Palmer Marler Carberry Funeral Home.