Ann F. Lawrence, of Western Springs, Illinois, passed away on July 21, 2024 at Serenity Home in Oregon, IL surrounded by her family.

Frances Ann Fisher was born on May 18, 1932 to Frances (Ryder) and Frank C. Fisher in Akron, Ohio. She graduated from Cuyahoga Falls (Ohio) High School in 1950. That same year, she met the love of her life, David Lawrence of Illinois, at a Methodist church camp in Indiana. They dated long distance for seven years before marrying on October 26, 1957.

Ann graduated from Simmons College (now University) in Boston, MA in 1954 with a degree in Retailing. Prior to her marriage, she worked for the Advance Pattern Company in New York, NY and Halle Brothers department stores in Cleveland, OH. Dave’s job took them to Lincoln, NE, where son David was born in 1958, then to Cedar Rapids, IA, where daughter Lisa was born in 1962. They moved to Illinois in 1967, eventually settling in Western Springs in 1970.

Ann was very active in P.E.O., both as a member of local chapter DF-LP and on the state level. Ann chaired the state convention in 1984, then went on the state board of officers. She served for 6 years, culminating in her presidency in 1989-1990. Ann was also a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Western Springs, where she served on many committees through the years.

Ann was an avid reader, with a special fondness for mysteries. She and Dave traveled extensively, including a cruise to Antarctica. Ann also loved relaxing at their vacation home in The Galena Territory.

Ann was pre-deceased by her parents; in-laws; and beloved husband of 65 years, David W. Lawrence, who passed away on July 1, 2023 She is survived by her children: David William Lawrence Jr. (Shelly) of Great Falls, VA and Lisa Coffman (John) of Polo, IL; and grandson David William Lawrence III (Madeline Britvec) of Washington, DC.

Special thanks to Dr. John Liu for his monthly house call visits and to Grace and the many other Cantata caregivers who helped make it possible for Ann to live out the majority of her life in her beloved Western Springs home. The family also wishes to extend deep gratitude to the staff at Serenity Hospice & Home for their outstanding care and support during Ann’s final days.

An informal gathering to celebrate the lives of both Dave & Ann will be held from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday August 17, 2024 at Hallowell & James Funeral Home (1025 W. 55th Street, Countryside). Light refreshments will be served. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Serenity Hospice & Home (P.O. Box 462, Oregon, IL 61061). Funeral information: (708) 352-6500