Miriam Ann Lawlor, 83, of West Burlington, died Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, at the Klein Center in West Burlington. She was born Aug. 15, 1941, in Burlington, to Charles and Helen French Murphy. She was a 1959 graduate of Burlington Notre Dame High School.
She married Patrick Lawlor on Jan. 20, 1962, in St. Patrick Catholic Church in Burlington. He preceded her in death on Oct. 4, 2015.
Miriam worked for Northwestern Bell as a telephone operator, and later for the Klein Center for 17 years. She was a member of Divine Mercy Parish.
Survivors include her children Richard Lawlor (Gwen Lutz) of Wyoming, Minn. and Lisa Lawlor of Burlington; grandchildren Jordan Lutz-Midthun (Brittani), Julia Lutz-Lawlor (Aaron Albani), Bailey Ann (Billy), Kaitlin Menzel-Lutz (Matthew); great-grandchildren Braxton Allen, Brooklyn Allen, Jaxon Allen, Nolan Adams, Nora Adams, Oliver Menzel, and Finn Menzel; sisters Antoinette King (Max) of Burlington, Helen Ballard Lee of West Burlington and Patricia Ramsay (Phillip) of Neena, Wisc.; beloved nieces and nephews.
Miriam was a woman with many talents. She was an excellent pianist and could always be heard humming a tune, usually one she had made up herself. Miriam was a self-taught artist who found great joy in sketching and painting. Her artistic talent won her first place at the local 4H art exhibition and her works have been displayed around Burlington. Miriam loved connecting with her fellow residents and staff at the Klein Center; where she was a member of the Sunshine Club and could always be found attending Bingo. Miriam was a person of deep faith and valued often saying the Rosary. She was a dedicated advocate and wise counselor for her husband, children, and grandchildren. Her devotion to family and her capacity to draw others in with her quick wit will always be remembered.
The Memorial Funeral Mass for Mrs. Lawlor will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18 at SS Mary and Patrick Catholic Church of Divine Mercy Parish in West Burlington. The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m.
Burial will be held in Sacred Heart Cemetery following the Mass.
According to her wishes, cremation has been entrusted to the care of Lunning Chapel.