Rita M. (St. Dennis) Lawrence

Canton, New York

Rita M. (St. Dennis) Lawrence, 85, passed away on Monday, May 22, 2017 at the St. Joseph’s Nursing Home in Ogdensburg.

Rita was born June 2, 1931 in Canton, the daughter of Herbert and Marie (Bloss) St. Dennis. She graduated from Canton High School in 1949. Rita continued her education at the A. Barton Hepburn School of Nursing, graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1953. She was employed as a staff nurse at the Canton E.J. Noble Hospital from 1953 to 1960 and in later years, she worked as a Private Duty Nurse for those in need of extra care at homes or hospital.

She married John A. Lawrence on August 6, 1955 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Canton, with the Rev. Albert Salmon, officiating.

Raising the family and following their activities in education and sports was her daily routine. Her care of the sick and elderly was also appreciated by those requiring her services. Rita enjoyed watching sports, swimming, picnics and golf, especially at the Madrid Golf Course.

Rita is survived by her husband John A. Lawrence, daughters, Mary Lawrence of Canton; Kathleen Lawrence of Ormond Beach, FL; Patricia and Kirk Todd of Canton and their children, Sara and Darrel Ackroyd of Ballston Spa; Travis and Nicole Todd of Canton; Jessica and Christopher Wheeler of Canton and Andrew Todd of Canton; Steven and Lynn Lawrence of Potsdam and their children, Harrison Lawrence of Boston and Delaney Lawrence of Potsdam; and James Lawrence of Potsdam and his children, John and Chantel Lawrence of Potsdam, James Lawrence of Nashville, TN and Thomas Lawrence of Potsdam. Also surviving are five great-grandchildren, a sister, Venita Briggs of Canton along with many nieces and nephews.

A sister, Esther Greenwood predeceased her.

Calling hours for Rita will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2017 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the O’Leary Funeral Home, Canton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 26, 2017 at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Canton. Burial at the Convenience of the family will be in the St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the St. Joseph’s Foundation, 950 Linden Street; Ogdensburg, New York 13669. Memories and condolences may be expressed online at www.olearyfuneralservice.com. 

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