Bessie Lawrence

Funeral service for Bessie Lawrence, 94, of Canton will be held on Monday, February 13, 2012 at 2:00pm at the O'Leary Funeral Home, 5821 US Highway 11, with Rev. John Kashorek, officiating. Bessie passed away peacefully at home on February 10, 2012 while surrounded by family under the care of St. Lawrence Valley Hospice.
Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday, from 2-4 and 6-8pm. Contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of the St. Lawrence Valley.
Bessie was born in Canton on March 30, 1917 to Walter and Jennie (Thompson) Todd.
Bessie is survived by five children, Phillis Paro; Jane Ashley; Bonnie Lawrence; David Lawrence and Nancy Fletcher (Steve); 17 grandchildren, Dean; Brenda; Steve; Tim; Susie; Brad; Tina; Kate; Kayla; Wayne; Roy; Carrie; Chrissi; Amanda; Eric; Amy and her surrogate grandson Peter. She has 19 great-grandchildren with one on the way, two great-great grandchildren; sister-in-law Brenda Whitmarsh and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband of 37 years Wilfred Lawrence who passed in July 1982 and by sis siblings, Dorothy Shea, Gert Walruth, Ernie Todd, Norman Todd, Hazel Todd and Herb Todd.
Bessie will be remembered for her love of family and friends, staying connected by talking on the phone, word search books, loving her game shows, being a proud member of TOPS for 30 years and her love of a good time. She spent her life working hard as a farmer, homemaker and child care provider for several local families.