Yvonne Lawrence, 81, of Fairfield, CT died suddenly on April 27, surrounded by her children who adored her. A native New Yorker, she was "just visiting" Fairfield for sixty years. She was an elegant and extraordinary woman whose like will not pass this way again. Her deep and abiding faith sustained her and inspired not only her husband, eight children and twelve grandchildren, but so many she loved of every faith. She truly lived the principles of faith, hope and charity. She was the daughter of Joseph W. Lawrence and Alice M. Gallagher but largely raised after her father's death by a legendary grandmother, Mimi Gallagher, whom she emulated all her life. She arrived into adulthood with a rare mix of worldliness and humility. She looked the whole world in the eye, cared not about status or the bubble of reputation, and was generous to all, with her time, her spirit and her love. Loyal and funny, she was a larger-than-life personality that all were drawn to, yet was amazingly unaware of the deep and positive effect she had on others. Her brilliant and incisive mind encompassed many disciplines. She enjoyed challenging herself and broadening her intellectual horizons through reading and debating issues with many.  She was known to read a book in a day and without fail, the New York Times and Wall Street Journal before starting her day.  Her favorite hours were spent in the "booth" on the "ameche".  She was the beating heart of the home she created and it was a large one, encompassing her children, an extended family and hosts of friends, who all loved to be around her. The door of her home on Sachem Road was always open. Unless, of course, she was out on the open road in the YLK-mobile, with a bucket of Kentucky Fried. A stalwart friend to many, and always ready to lend a hand, no friendship could compare with that she shared with Rosemary Barry. Together, they weathered life's vicissitudes, its triumphs and tragedies, across six decades. A devoted wife of the late John M. Kennedy, she was an amazing mother to all her children: Anne K. Gargano (Joseph), John M. Kennedy, Jr. (Eileen), the late Martin J. Kennedy (Carol), Deane O. Kennedy (Kathleen), the late Lizzy Kennedy, Cornelia K. Suskind (Ron), Alice E. Kennedy (Dan), Marita K. Wein (Bryon). But it was her grandchildren that truly made those beautiful blue eyes sparkle the brightest: Jay and Meghan Gargano, John III and Sarah Kennedy, Brian and Grace Kennedy, Walter and Owen Suskind, Amanda Lange and Matthew, Laura and Julia Wein. She is also survived by her devoted and loving sister, Cornelia L. Smith ("Dickie") and siblings Joseph W. Lawrence, Michael P. Montesani, Diane M. Wenk, and Jeanette M. Curran. She was predeceased by her sister, Alice Murray Larson and brothers Joseph T. Montesani and Peter Montesani. A Memorial Mass in Celebration of her Life will take place on Saturday, May 16 at 1:30pm at St. Augustine's Cathedral, 359 Washington Ave,  Bridgeport, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the foundation that has been set up in her memory: A Friend in Need Foundation, 6370 31st Pl. NW, Wash DC 20015.
Arrangements by the Redgate-Hennessy Funeral Home, Trumbull. To send online condolences please visit www.redgatehennessy.com