South Strafford, VT-

Susan E Lawrence, 59, died Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at Cedar Hill Health and Rehab in Windsor, VT after a long, courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease.

She was born July 4, 1954 in Peterborough, NH, the daughter of Donald and Olive (Murray) Parker. She graduated from Keene High School class of 1972, and went on to earn a bachelors degree from Vermont College. She was married to Duane Lawrence Sr. in 1973 in South Strafford, VT and has lived in South Strafford ever since. She worked for a time at the Twin State Bank that later became a branch of Mascoma Savings Bank in South Strafford. She worked as a Para-educator for several schools throughout the Upper Valley until she opened the Bonnie Mead Day Care in South Strafford. Susan owned and operated the day care until her failing health forced her to stop. Her entire life Susan was a caregiver. Outside of her work, her passion for life was with her grandchildren and caring for others. She was a member of the Strafford Fireman Auxiliary and the Ladies Aide. She loved reading and anything to do with the ocean.

She is predeceased by her biological father, Donald Parker.
She is survived by her husband Duane Lawrence Sr., a son Duane Lawrence Jr. and his wife Rachel Hamlin Lawrence, a daughter Rebecca Daniels and her husband John, grandchildren, Hunter John, Bryar Matthew, Kelci Sue and Susan Elaine all of South Strafford, her parents Olive and Roy Carroll, brothers Donald Parker, David Parker, and David Carroll, sisters, Nancy Matson, Shirley Crowell and Linda Thomas.

Calling hours will be held Sunday evening, March 9, from 6-8pm at the Knight Funeral Home in White River Junction. A memorial service will be Monday afternoon, March 10, at 3:30 PM at the United Church of Strafford with Rev. Bryon Breese officiating. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in South Strafford later in the springtime.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Resident Activities Fund at Cedar Hill, 49 Cedar Hill Road, Windsor, VT 05089 or to the Strafford Creative Preschool scholarship fund, 238 VT Rte. 132, South Strafford, VT 05070. The family would like to expres sincere thanks for the compassionate and skilled care given by the Cedar Hill staff and Bayada Hospice.