Obituary of Rita M. Lawlor

Rita M. Lawlor, born May 1, 1930, quietly passed away with family at her side on October 10, 2014, following a prolonged illness. She was predeceased by her parents, Agnes and Jack O'Hern; an infant son, Michael; an infant daughter, Rita; her husband, Matthew; her son, Brian; her sister, Betty Hickok and brother-in-law, Dick Hickok. Rita is survived by her children, Mary Lawlor and Dr. Jonathan Lieff, Newton, MA, Maureen Lawlor, Endicott, Theresa (Tess) Lawlor, Ithaca, and Sharon and Steven Kotan, Panama City, FL; six grandchildren, Siobhan Sculley Decker (Matt), Kate Kotan Barber (Patrick), Bridget Sculley Merritt (Kyle), Matthew Kotan, Caitlin Sculley, and Tara Ciotoli Caiza (Emerson); two step-grandchildren, Ben and Sarah Lieff; one great-grandchild, Harper Merritt; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Prior to moving to Panama City eight years ago, she had been a life-long resident of the Triple Cities. Rita was a member of Saint Patrick's church, which was an integral part of her life and identity. Her involvement with the church included being a lector and a Eucharistic minister, being on the Parish Council, and volunteering in St. Patrick's Rectory. She was also an auxiliary member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondolet and had been a member of the Confraternity of Christian Mothers. Throughout her life, she was dedicated to Catholic school education and served in many capacities to support that cause. In addition to sending all of her children to Catholic schools, she was a past member and officer of the SCC Parents' Club, was on the SCC Board of Directors and an Officer of the Friends of SCC, a member of the Broome County Catholic School Board, and on the Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish Council. She also served on the Executive Board of the Federation of Catholic School Parents for the Diocese of Syracuse. She developed a passion for quilting and made many treasures that will be cherished for generations. She was a founding member of the Common Thread Quilters group and an active member of the Broome County Quilters. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Patrick's Church, Binghamton Saturday at 9:30 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton Friday from 4-7 p.m. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Rita may be made to St. Patrick's Church Restoration Fund, 9 Leroy Street, Binghamton, NY 13905.