Shirley Lawrence

Shirley Lawrence, 75, passed away in Gulf Breeze, FL on Oct. 29, 2011. The daughter of the late Gilbert and Margaret Perry, she was born and raised in New Bedford, Mass., and lived in Gulf Breeze since 1975. She worked as a stitcher in several New Bedford textile mills. She attended New Bedford Vocational High School, the former Southeastern Massachusetts Technical Institute and Swain School of Design. In Florida, she was tutored by private art teachers, and attended Pensacola Junior College's art school, becoming an accomplished painter. She was a longtime member of St. Ann's Catholic Church, Gulf Breeze; and a member of its Community of Praise prayer group. She was a member of Shirley Club USA, and Pensacola's Leukemia & Lymphoma Support Group. A devoted daughter, wife, mother and friend, she enjoyed traveling with her family in their motor home. She was predeceased by her husband, Don, after 47 years of marriage. She is survived by her daughter, Brenda J. Lawrence, of Gulf Breeze; and three cousins: Norma Bridge of Norton, MA; Lily Hall of Acushnet, MA and Gail Perriera of Stonington, CT. A celebration of her life will be held Monday, Nov. 7, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Ann's Church, Gulf Breeze, with Msgr. Luke Hunt, celebrant. Burial at Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola NAS will follow. A rosary will be prayed at the church Sunday, Nov. 6 at 4:30 p.m., followed by visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. The family would like to thank Covenant Hospice, Gulf Breeze Hospital and Select Specialty Hospital, for their care of Shirley. Donations may be made to Covenant Hospice, Pensacola, 5041 N. 12th Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32504, (850) 433-2155 or online at www.covenanthospice.org.

Visitation

Rosary

St. Ann Catholic Church
100 Daniel Drive
Gulf Breeze, FL  32561
Sunday, November 6, 2011
4:30 PM

Wake

St. Ann Catholic Church
100 Daniel Drive
Gulf Breeze, FL  32561
Sunday, November 6, 2011
5:00 PM

Service

Funeral Mass

St. Ann Catholic Church
100 Daniel Drive
Gulf Breeze, FL  32561
Monday, November 7, 2011
10:30 AM