Mary C. Lawler

Mary C. Lawler, 91, departed this life on February 15, 2025, at Wilora Lakes Healthcare Center, surrounded by love.

She leaves behind her devoted husband, John, with whom she shared an extraordinary 69-year marriage partnership built on faith, laughter, and deep devotion to family. Together, they created a rich and loving legacy: six children, 13 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren, all of whom were the heart of her world. She is also survived by her brother, Leonard Carroll, and his wife, Laura, along with their children, as well as her sister-in-law, Gloria Reber, and her husband, Richard.

Mary was born Christmas Day, December 25, 1933 and raised in Waterloo, Iowa, where she attended Sacred Heart High School. It was there that she met John, the love of her life, and they married in 1956. Their journey together took them from Iowa, through Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and New Jersey before settling in Charlotte in 1972. After experiencing the warmth of the community, the friendships, and the Carolina sunshine, she famously declared she was never moving again—and she never did.

Away from the duties of raising six kids, Mary found great fulfillment in her work, first as a secretary at Sharon Presbyterian Church for nearly 20 years, and later as the Sacramental Coordinator at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, where she served for over three decades with unwavering dedication. Her deep faith and natural ability to bring people together made her a cornerstone of every community she touched.

A born leader and gifted organizer, Mary was active in more organizations than can be counted, always ready to lend her time and talents. Her love of music was lifelong, and she sang in choirs from high school until just a few years ago. Whether through song, service, or the quiet kindness of her presence, she lifted the lives of those around her.

A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025, at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, followed by a funeral Mass at 10:45 a.m. Mary will be laid to rest in the church’s columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, she asked for donations to an organization she help found and was active in, the Lay Association of Christian Missionaries (LACM). Contributions may be made at www.lacmissions.com.

Mary’s life was a testament to faith, love, and family. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit lives on in the countless lives she touched and the family she so dearly cherished.