Obituary for Susan A. Lawlor (Dunphy)
Susan Alice Dunphy Lawlor, 76, of Arlington, MA passed away peacefully at home on December 22, 2022 after a brief battle with angiosarcoma.
Susan was the cherished wife for 53 years of Joseph Lawlor of Arlington, MA. Beloved mother of Ryan Lawlor and his wife Allison of Medford, Eve Driscoll and her husband Chad of Woburn, and Alison Lawlor Russell and her husband Kevin of Woburn. Irreplaceable and loving Nana to nine beautiful grandchildren, Grace, Margaret, and Maeve Lawlor of Medford, Matthew, Sarah, and Rory Driscoll of Woburn, and Catherine, Edward, and Shirin Russell of Woburn.
Born in Brockton, Susan was the daughter of the late Edward and Alice (McMenamy) Dunphy of Whitman, sister of Jane (Dunphy) Schwartz of Rockland, and cousin to many McMenamys of Massachusetts. Sister-in-law of Ann Marie Kelly of NY, Tom and Joan Lawlor of FL, and Cathie and the late Gerard Lawlor of FL, and loving aunt to her many nieces and nephews.
As a school psychologist, classroom teacher, and special educator, Susan used her expertise and skills to advocate for her students and education. Over her long career, she was a dedicated teacher to thousands of students in Cambridge, Arlington, Belmont, and other communities, bringing out the best in each student who was lucky enough to have her as a teacher.
Susan was an alumna of Cardinal Spellman High School and Salve Regina University, and earned advanced degrees from Bridgewater State University, Boston College, and Harvard University, where she was awarded the Conant Fellowship for Excellence. Susan was also awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award from Salve Regina University.
Susan had a special light that she carried with her and spread that light to everyone she met. She was warm, welcoming, generous in spirit, and had a way of making everything more special and beautiful. Susan had an adventurous spirit and loved to travel. Whether local outings with her grandchildren or international travel with Joe, she loved the experiences, education, and perspectives that surrounded her every day. Susan also loved to cook and many of her friends and family enjoyed her delicious meals over the years. Her light will continue to shine in all those who loved her. She will be profoundly missed.
The Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, December 29th at St. Raphael Church in Medford. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 28th from 3pm-8pm at Keefe Funeral Home, 5 Chestnut St., Arlington. Family and friends of all ages are welcome at the services.
Memorial contributions may be made in Susan’s name to Fidelity House, 25 Medford Street, Arlington, MA, 02474.
Susan was the cherished wife for 53 years of Joseph Lawlor of Arlington, MA. Beloved mother of Ryan Lawlor and his wife Allison of Medford, Eve Driscoll and her husband Chad of Woburn, and Alison Lawlor Russell and her husband Kevin of Woburn. Irreplaceable and loving Nana to nine beautiful grandchildren, Grace, Margaret, and Maeve Lawlor of Medford, Matthew, Sarah, and Rory Driscoll of Woburn, and Catherine, Edward, and Shirin Russell of Woburn.
Born in Brockton, Susan was the daughter of the late Edward and Alice (McMenamy) Dunphy of Whitman, sister of Jane (Dunphy) Schwartz of Rockland, and cousin to many McMenamys of Massachusetts. Sister-in-law of Ann Marie Kelly of NY, Tom and Joan Lawlor of FL, and Cathie and the late Gerard Lawlor of FL, and loving aunt to her many nieces and nephews.
As a school psychologist, classroom teacher, and special educator, Susan used her expertise and skills to advocate for her students and education. Over her long career, she was a dedicated teacher to thousands of students in Cambridge, Arlington, Belmont, and other communities, bringing out the best in each student who was lucky enough to have her as a teacher.
Susan was an alumna of Cardinal Spellman High School and Salve Regina University, and earned advanced degrees from Bridgewater State University, Boston College, and Harvard University, where she was awarded the Conant Fellowship for Excellence. Susan was also awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award from Salve Regina University.
Susan had a special light that she carried with her and spread that light to everyone she met. She was warm, welcoming, generous in spirit, and had a way of making everything more special and beautiful. Susan had an adventurous spirit and loved to travel. Whether local outings with her grandchildren or international travel with Joe, she loved the experiences, education, and perspectives that surrounded her every day. Susan also loved to cook and many of her friends and family enjoyed her delicious meals over the years. Her light will continue to shine in all those who loved her. She will be profoundly missed.
The Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, December 29th at St. Raphael Church in Medford. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 28th from 3pm-8pm at Keefe Funeral Home, 5 Chestnut St., Arlington. Family and friends of all ages are welcome at the services.
Memorial contributions may be made in Susan’s name to Fidelity House, 25 Medford Street, Arlington, MA, 02474.