Mary D. Lawrence

Mary D. (Manning) Lawrence age 72 of Shirley formerly of Groton, MA and Marlow, NH passed away on Thursday October 27, 2016 at Keystone Center Nursing home in Leominster following a courageous battle with cancer.  She was the long-time companion of the late George Robert “ Bob” Bissett.

Mary was born on December 29, 1943 in New York, NY to the late James and Celia (Doherty) Manning. Raised in the Beacon Hill section of Boston and later Newton, Mary moved to Groton at the age of 16, she graduated from Groton High School class of 1962.  She remained in Groton where she was a wife, devoted mother and homemaker.   Mary and Bob moved to Marlow, NH in 2005 where they enjoyed many happy times together.

She had a passion for gardening, nature, caring for her animals, holidays, decorating her home and sight-seeing during all four seasons. Mary also enjoyed spending as much time as possible with her family.

Survivors include her former husband Douglas A. Lawrence of Groton, her loving daughters, Camilla D. Finlay-Boyle of Groton, Deborah A. Hopkins of Shirley, and Rebecca S. Sullivan of Townsend, as well as eight cherished grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Mary on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 11:00 am-12:00 pm in the Badger Funeral Home, 45 School Street, Groton.  Her funeral service will follow at 12:00 noon. Burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ayer, MA 01432.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Monadnock Humane Society, 101 W. Swanzey Rd., Swanzey, NH  03446.