Ethel P. Lawrence

Ethel Phyllis (Lucas) Lawrence passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 18, 2024 at the age of 102 years. Ethel was predeceased by her daughter Gail, son Larry , granddaughter Carrie Boudreau and her husband of 81 years, Ralph. She is survived by son Bruce E. Lawrence and wife Eliza , daughter Linda L. Boudreau and husband Glenn, several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Born in 1921, Ethel grew up in the Great Depression years. She was a graduate of Portland High School. Ethel married Ralph E. Lawrence on August 28, 1940, and they started their family soon thereafter. In 1944, Ralph was called to serve in WWII. Ethel cared for their children throughout his service overseas. After the war they built a house in Portland and welcomed their fourth and last child. Ethel had a curious mind and sharp eye for detail. She was an avid reader and she managed the household finances as well as bookkeeping and accounting for Ralph’s commercial plumbing and heating business. While raising their family, they purchased lake property in Raymond that would eventually become their primary residence. As the initial cabin was incrementally rebuilt into a house, Ethel made it a warm welcoming home. Her green thumb brought fresh vegetables to meals and kept the house full of lush greenery. Throughout the years, Ethel enjoyed bringing family and friends together at the lake for visits, gatherings and event celebrations. Many who experienced her hospitality have fond memories of her excellent cooking, welcoming nature and kind attention. Ethel was a favorite Aunt of several nieces and nephews, and some of her children’s closest friends called her a second mother. Beyond her gracious hosting, Ethel gave sincere and wonderful hugs. She regularly offered comforting or encouraging words. You could count on her to keep your secrets and to always, always be rooting for you ! Ethel’s curious nature and determination to live life fully took her on many adventures near and far. From mini golf with her grandchildren to trips across the country in the RV, to Anguilla, Hawaii, Bermuda and Jamaica with Ralph to Italy and Scandinavia with friend Joyce. Ethel truly felt enriched by the experiences and accomplishments of those around her. She took pride in her keen observing and listening skills, and this made her a beautiful story teller to those of us privileged to hear her share it all back. She kept her own challenges and sorrows to a minimum throughout her days, serving a mighty example to us all. She valued honesty, integrity and fairness, yet more profoundly she showed us the power that lives in optimism, celebration and play. The lake was her sanctuary, and she delighted in sharing it. At 92 , Ethel bolted out ahead of us on her cross country skis, her excitement to enjoy the day outweighing our trepidation around keeping her safe. Her spirit ventures ahead of us still, assuring us that courage and heart is all that we need. The family expresses our appreciation to caregiver Shelly Kennison, and to the nurses and aides from Androscoggin Home Hospice Healthcare for their kindness and care for Ethel. A celebration of life is being planned for the spring, details will be posted when the date is finalized. In lieu of flowers , donation considerations are the following, Raymond Fire Rescue Association , Inc. , PO Box 741, Raymond, Me. 04071 Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals, 279 River Rd., Windham, Me. 04062 St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929

Ethel P. Lawrence

July 13, 1921 - February 18, 2024

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