Obituary of Barbara Lawrence

SCHENECTADY, NY- Barbara Corell Lawrence died peacefully in her sleep, October 15, 2009, after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease. Barbara was born in Johnson City, NY, November 19, 1927. She was raised in Binghamton, NY, and was a long-time resident of Schenectady, NY, with many summers spent in Hague, NY. She began summering in Hague as a young adult with her parents, Archibald G. and Helen S. Corell. Barbara and her late husband, Albert W. Lawrence, met while attending Cornell University and were married at West Presbyterian Church in Binghamton, NY in 1950. Mrs. Lawrence is survived by two daughters, Janet Lawrence and Libby Lawrence Fredman; one daughter-in-law, Wanita Lawrence Blanchard; and three grandchildren, Cristina Lawrence, George Fredman and Lucy Fredman; and one great grandson, David LaPointe. Barbara was also the mother of the late Pastor David C. Lawrence, a long time resident of Hague, NY. Barbara was involved in many philanthropic and civic organizations, most notably the First Reformed Church of Schenectady where she was a Deacon and the first Woman Elder, president of the Women's League and chairman of the Chancel Guild. Barbara and Albert also founded the Lawrence Center for Independent Living in Schenectady, NY. She was a member of the Junior League, Chapter T of P.E.O., Panhellenic Association, and Delta Gamma. She was on the board of the United Way, Schenectady Symphony, and Schenectady Foundation. Barbara was also a Trustee of Union College, Ellis Hospital, and of the Metropolitan Opera Association. Barbara lived gracefully and with great purpose and faith. She loved her family and friends deeply as they loved her. A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 23, 3:00 pm at First Reformed Church, 8 North Church St., Schenectady, NY. A reception will immediately follow in the Assembly Hall at First Reformed Church. There will also be a Memorial Service in Hague, NY, next summer. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Ellis Hospital Foundation, the Northern Lake George Yacht Club Junior Sailing Endowment Trust, or the charity of your choice.