Mary Lawrence

It is with enormous sadness that the family of Mary L. Lawrence, age 88, announces her death on Friday August 15, 2025, at her home in Shullsburg WI. She died peacefully, surrounded by her beloved husband, David "Skip" Lawrence, and family.

Born October 1936 to Ambrose and Gertrude (Doyle) Probst, Mary was raised in Benton WI, a middle child with five brothers. She graduated from Benton High School in 1954, however her first two years of high school were spent at the Sinsinawa Mound, as her mother hoped she would become a nun. Obviously that didn't work out because in July 1956, she was united in marriage with Skip. They went on to raise three children, and Mary spent most of her career as the Clerk-Treasurer for the city of Shullsburg (1981-2000).

Mary is survived by her husband, Skip; three children: David (Mary) Lawrence of Edgerton WI, Julie (Mike) Lawrence of Shullsburg WI, and Angela Lawrence of Stoughton WI; 5 grandchildren: Meghan (John) Cavan of Brooklyn NY, Abigail (Tyler) Lawrence of Minneapolis MN, Allison (Cullen) Oren of Janesville WI, Marguerite Lawrence of Madison WI, and Samuel Lawrence of Stoughton WI; 3 great-grandchildren: Levi and Indra Delcavanore (Meghan and John), and Sawyer Oren (Allison and Cullen); one brother: Donald Probst of Beltsville MD; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers: David Probst, Paul Probst, William Probst, and Richard Probst; and niece Melissa (Probst) Pasch.

Mary was a member of St. Matthew's Catholic Church in Shullsburg, and for 20+ years she held the position of Religious Education Coordinator for grades K-12. An avid card player, always ready for a game, her family recently found a stash of over 20 decks in her antique desk cabinet. These are in addition to the many she'd tucked strategically around the house near tables or gathering areas, and in small bags ready to be taken out the door to a social event. Mary's friends and family will always remember her for knowing and singing the lyrics to all the old songs no one else could remember the words to, and for dancing. She loved to dance in the kitchen. Early in Mary's life, she could sew absolutely anything, from her children's clothes, Barbie outfits, and never-ending repairs to Sam's Pooh blankie. For many years, she enjoyed traveling with family and friends. She loved to laugh, socialize and watch Badger sports.

Services will be held on Wednesday August 20 2025, starting with a visitation from 10-11:45am at St. Matthew's Catholic Church in Shullsburg, followed by a mass at 12pm, with Father William Vernon officiating. The burial will take place at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Benton WI. Lunch will be served following mass at St. Matthew's hall.

Mary's family would like to thank both the doctors, nurses, and staff at Medical Associates (special shout out to the radiation oncology team), and the hospice team at Agrace Hospice for their expertise, guidance, and compassion. Peggy Steger was an angel of never ending medical supplies. The family is also incredibly grateful for the overwhelming amount of love, kindness, support and food received over the last few weeks from the community. Mary absolutely loved living in Shullsburg, and felt especially lucky to live among "the best neighbors" on Francis Street.