May 15, 1927 — Nov. 8, 2014

Laura B. Lawson, grandmother, mother, sister and good friend to many passed away quietly in her home in Benton Harbor, Michigan on the eighth of November 2014.

All who knew Laura remember her as an “incredible creative force” that did everything! She was a favorite cook to her grandchildren, a seamstress for family and friends. She had a great eye for antique furniture, which she refinished herself. She had a great drive to beautify all of her surroundings and an even greater drive to “get things done”! She was a believer in making lists and the old fashion hand written letter. Laura was a “snowbird” traveling to California every year to stay with her daughter/family in the warmer weather. Her friend and adopted family list quadrupled because of this, because everyone who met Laura became a friend and confidant. When Laura was in her sixties, she learned the art of Mosaic, which she continued to do in all forms until just the past year. She tiled floors, sinks, pavers, birdbaths, rolling carts…you name it she tiled it. To relax Laura enjoyed a good book and working crossword puzzles.

Laura was born, Laura Belle Mast on May 15, 1927 in Nappanee Indiana. She was raised in the Amish faith, one of thirteen brothers and sisters. She was married in 1947 to William H. Lawson who she was married to for 27 years until his death in 1974. She is survived by her daughters, Toni Smith (Richard Rabbers) of Benton Harbor, Michigan, Cara Lawson-Ball (David) of Edwardsburg, Michigan, Gina Lawson Egan (John E) of Ontario, California and six grandchildren; Danielle, Mia, Grace, Loukas, Lydia and Daisy, three great-grandchildren; Zeelyn, Rowan and Cael. Three siblings, Elmer Mast, Elkhart, IN, Ervin Mast, Geneva, IN and Verna Newton, Elkhart, IN, survive her.

A memorial gathering will take place to celebrate this wonderful woman’s life in July 2015 at the Unitarian Church in Elkhart, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, Laura requested that donations be made to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Elkhart, Indiana.

Those wishing to leave a message for the family, upload a photo of Laura or send their condolences may do so at http://www.brownfuneralhomeniles.com/obituaries/Laura-Lawson.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.