Obituary of Lyla May Lawrence

It is with saddened hearts that the sons of Lyla Lawrence announce her peaceful passing on April 14, 2025, at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton, NB, where she had been recovering from a fall and hip surgery late last year. She was 94, lived a good, long life, and will be missed.

She is survived by her son, Brian (Susan) and grandchildren,Caitlin (Kevin) and Braden, and her son, Gary (Veronica). She is predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Frank, and her brothers, Walter and Earle.

Born Lyla May Maxwell in St. Stephen in 1930, she spent her early years along the beautiful Bay of Fundy coast. It was where her roots remained, and where many years later she would introduce her boys to the wonders of beachcombing for such treasures as driftwood, shells, rocks, and coloured glass with edges worn smooth by the tides and sand.

After attending vocational school in Saint John, she landed a teaching position in Lawrence Station where she met her husband-to-be, Frank Lawrence. They married in 1952 at the small church on the hill overlooking Beaver Harbour, then headed off to Plaster Rock. It was there that son, Brian, was born. A couple of years later, the family moved to Stanley where Dad was vice-principal at the high school. After these relatively short stays, they moved to Fredericton in 1958 where son, Gary, was born a couple of years later, and the family settled into the local community.

Through all these moves, resettlements and child-rearing years, Mum was the unsung hero of the family. She worked tirelessly to ensure the health and well-being of her husband and children. And when we got older, she enjoyed working outside the home as well at Vey’s, a ladies clothing boutique in downtown Fredericton.

She was also a very active and valued supporter of the community through her involvement with the United Church Women at St. Paul’s United Church, and the Y’s Menettes organization of the YM-YWCA. We have many fond memories of UCW and Y’s Menettes meetings at our house where there was usually a selection of dainty sandwiches and tasty squares left over for us to savour the following day.

Mum and Dad enjoyed many fulfilling retirement years in our home at 338 Westmorland St., and they were always there for us when we came home to visit. They also maintained many outside engagements with family, friends and neighbours, and over the years our home was the scene of many visits and gatherings, or just a nice chat over a cup of tea and some homemade sweets. She and Dad also enjoyed travelling the country to visit sons, daughters in law, and grandchildren.

We owe a debt of gratitude to Wayne Beckett, Mum’s cousin, who provided unwavering support over the past several years since Dad’s passing in the form of regular visits and reminiscing, keeping her stocked up with oranges and yoghurt for “breakfast in her room”, numerous appointment outings, and just being there for her when sons were not available. Our sincere and heartfelt thanks Wayne.

We would like to thank the staff of Parkland Fredericton Brunswick Hall who provided a safe, friendly and supportive environment for Mum since 2019, particularly during the very challenging Covid period. Our thanks also goes out to the staff of 4NE/4E/3E at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital for their excellent care over her final months.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McAdam’s Funeral Home. A memorial service will take place at a later date. Online condolences are gratefully accepted at mcadams@mcadamsfh.com. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to Fredericton Hospice House, Greener Village Food Bank, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

In loving memory, Brian & Gary