Genevieve Elizabeth Lawrence

Genevieve Elizabeth Smithling Lawrence, 86, of Lowville, NY, was called home to the Lord on Tuesday, August 23, 2011. Gen and her husband moved to Fort Collins in January of 2009, and she had been in the care of the Columbine System and Pathways Hospice. Gen was born in Lowville on September 22, 1924. She is the daughter of Leo Walter and Mary Elizabeth Betting Smithling. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Kenneth Joseph Smithling. On July 21, 1956, Genevieve E. Smithling married Albert Charles Garvin Lawrence. They have one daughter, Jennifer Lynn Kenyon. Jennifer and her husband, Allen, have three children, Grace 11, Anna 9 and John 6. They reside at 624 Sycamore Street, Fort Collins, CO, 80521. Condolences for both Al and Jennifer may be sent to Jenniferï¿½s address. A graduate of Lowville Academy and Central School 1942, Gen went on to receive her B.A. in English in 1946 at the NYS College for Teachers, now the University at Albany, SUNY. She earned her M.A. in Education from St. Lawrence University in 1950. Gen taught high school English briefly in Schenectady and Carthage before returning to Lowville to teach and care for her mother. She taught primarily 10th grade English at LACS from 1952 to 1979. Upon retiring she worked part-time for Assemblyman Robert Nortz and Congressman David Martin and volunteered for Literacy Volunteers of America and the First Presbyterian Church, where she and her husband were members all of their married lives and served faithfully in every capacity, from elder to cookie baker. At LACS, Gen was advisor for the National Honor Society from 1953 to the late 1960s. She directed the senior play for three years, from 1956-8. She was senior class advisor for the classes of 1956 and 1962. She became English Department Chair in 1968. Mrs. Lawrence will be remembered by her students for her high standards and her rhythmic wrapping on the desk while retelling Edgar Allen Poeï¿½s ï¿½The Telltale Heart.ï¿½ Even in her retirement she continued to be an inspiration and a resource to former students, and to her studentsï¿½ students and children. Gen will be remembered by friends and neighbors for a much-sought-after smile and listening ear. A memorial service for Gen will be held at 4:30pm on Tuesday, August 30th, at the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Collins, CO. A memorial service will also be held later this fall at the First Presbyterian Church of Lowville, NY. A graveside service will follow at Lowville Rural Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Fort Collins, 531 S. College Ave., 80524.

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Genevieve Elizabeth Lawrence

September 22, 1924 - August 23, 2011