Eva Mae (Melanson) Lawrence A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and friend; Danville, NH – Eva Mae (Melanson) Lawrence died on Sunday September 30, 2018 and was the beloved wife of the late Norman Bertram Lawrence, Sr. Born in Lowell, MA, on June 24, 1930, the daughter of the late William Joseph and the late Helen Eva (Wood) Melanson, she lived in Pelham, NH most of her adult life, with a brief time on Plum Island. While living in Pelham, NH she worked at Bellofram in the 80’s, Merrimack Optical in the 70’s, and co-owned Sparky’s sub shop in Nashua during the 60’s with her husband. In the 50’s she worked at Megowen Educator at the cookie factory and loved to tell the story of losing her engagement ring’s diamond in a cookie.
“That was one lucky cookie”. Eva had a loving heart, a good sense of humor, and was very generous. She enjoyed playing rummy, word searches, crocheting, church group, jigsaw puzzles, and visiting her family at get-togethers.
Over the years her love of sweets grew almost as much as our love for her. She was famous for her love of lifesavers and peppermint candies, half turkey sandwiches with “tomata”, mini cupcakes, cookies, and ice cream. Eva and Norman were married 55 years and in 1992 they moved to Whitefield, NH to retire.
She is survived by 9 children; her sons Norman B. Lawrence, Jr. and wife Kim of Albion, ME and Dr. Mark Lawrence and wife Kathie of Norwell, MA, and daughters: Alice Howard and husband William of The Villages, FL, Helen Bethel and husband John of Derry, NH, Eva Axne of Columbia, NH, Evelyn West and husband, Michael of Benton, NH, Ruth Lawrence of Manchester, NH, Mary Sullivan and husband Jason of Twin Mt, NH, and Marion Current and husband, Chip of Danville, NH. ; 20 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; by sister-in-law, Carol Melanson of Hudson, NH; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was also predeceased by her son: Walter Robert Lawrence, son-in-law: Daniel Axne and brothers: Richard Melanson, William Melanson, and Frank Melanson.
Her fondest memories were when she served as a legislator in the NH State Legislature (1990-1991) for the Town of Pelham alongside her husband Norman. She enjoyed committee work and was happy to be able to represent the people of Pelham, NH. However her proudest moments involved her children and grandchildren.
She would end all conversations with “We luv yah”. and in hard times she would keep her spirits up and her faith strong. Her funny expressions, when things didn’t go as planned, “Oh, my stars”, “Oh sugar”, or “Up tee-dee” will forever ring in our ears and bring a smile to our faces.
She could bring a little sunlight to a cloudy day or make the stars sparkle even brighter on a clear night. Relatives and friends may call at PELHAM FUNERAL HOME 11 NASHUA RD. in PELHAM on Tuesday, October 9, 2018 from 4 to 8 P.M. Her Church Service will be held at the First Congregational Church of Pelham on Wednesday morning October 10, 2018 at 10 o’clock with burial to follow at the Gibson Cemetery in Pelham.
E-condolences/directions at www. pelhamfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in her memory to the charity of their choice.
Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O’Donnell, Jr. – (603) 635-3333.
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