Mary Jane Lawson, née Harris, aged 87, passed away peacefully, Sunday morning,
January 13, 2013, in Bellevue, Washington.

She was born to Marie Lavawn (Lindsay) Harris and George Aubrey Harris in Hume, Missouri on September 9, 1925, the oldest of seven children. At age one, her family moved to Los Angeles, then at age six to Springfield, Baca County, Colorado where they stayed until she reached age twelve at which time they left to return to Los Angeles to escape the hardships of the Dustbowl. She vividly described that move to California for her younger sister's medical treatment for 'dust' pneumonia with all the family's belongings, including a nanny goat and kid, packed in a trailer towed by the family car. She remembered playing in the street on Sunset Boulevard and picking limes from a tree in their yard. After a year, they returned to Springfield, then eventually moved to Ellensburg and Kittitas, Washington. She graduated from Ellensburg High School in 1943.

She met her husband of 70 years, Wayne Arthur Lawson, at Kittitas High School. They married in 1942, before he was stationed in Alaska during WWII. They lived in Seattle for part of his wartime service, followed by Ellensburg, Union Gap, Bremerton (where they co-managed the State Farm Insurance Agency), then back to Seattle again in 1950, followed by Bellevue in 1970.

Mary Jane was a dedicated wife and mother. She was a superb cook, generous supporter of liberal causes, and sewed the most beautiful Easter dresses for her daughters. In turns, she took care of all of us when we were starting our own families, or experiencing hardship. She never said no when we needed help. From her we learned the importance of family, responsibility, doing our best, and the serenity and security of a tasteful, warm, and well-maintained home.

We are deeply saddened by the death of our dearest momma and grandma. Her guidance was sure and strong so we know she will forever be with us. We love you!

Mary Jane is survived by her loving husband, Wayne, her children, Kathryn Berry (Dick Berry) of Redmond, WA, Susan Gladfelter (Michael Gladfelter) of Bellevue, WA, Madora Lawson (Steve Worthy) of Seattle, WA and Wayne Lawson, Jr. (Mary Lawson) of Bothell, WA, her brothers John (Nadine) Harris and Chuck (Peggy) Harris, and sister Kelly Hocker (Bob), 6 grandchildren: Rich (Amy) Berry, John (Marissa) Berry, Mike (Andrea Hardesty) Gladfelter, Kristin (Ed) Gladfelter Johnson, Elise Worthy, and Brittany Lawson and 5 great grandchildren: Richie and Jillian Berry, Chloe and Tyler Berry, and Tennessee Hardesty. She was preceded in death by sisters Irene (Stan) Woodburn, Frona (Terry) Talbot, and Ruth Marie (Paul) Helvie.

We want to thank her wonderful caregivers at NC Adult Family Home in Bellevue, Natty, Cindy, Joey, Emma, Opia, KC, Elsa, Ruby, and Rica. She so appreciated your loving care - she loved you all.