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Denice Lawrence Obituary

Denice Lawrence of Lowell, paralegal, avid quilter; 45 LOWELL Denice (Clermont) Lawrence, 45 years old, died unexpectedly, Monday afternoon in Lowell. She was the beloved wife of James S. Lawrence, with whom she would have celebrated 22 years of marriage on August 30th. She was born in Lowell, on December 20, 1962, a daughter of Lucille (Arcand) (Clermont) Dillon, of Tampa, FL, and the late Donald Clermont. She was a graduate of Lowell High School, Class of 1980. She attended Fitchburg State College and graduated with her Bachelor's Degree in Paralegal Services from the University of Central Florida, Class of 1985. Denice had been employed as a Paralegal for Merrimack Valley Legal Service for over 21 years. She was past president of National Organization of Legal Service Workers, UAW Local #2320. She enjoyed quilting and volunteered her time at the Quilt Museum, in Lowell. Surviving her besides her husband and mother are a step-father, Paul Dillon, of Tampa, FL; two step children, Andrew Lawrence, of Everett, WA, and Debbie Vessey, of Edmonds, WA; brothers and sisters and their spouses, Dave and Vicki Clermont, of Westford; Paul and Lynn Clermont, of Westford; Joyce and Mike Borski, of Dracut; Michael and Debbie Clermont, of Wildwood, FL; Tim and Maria Clermont, of New York; and Elaine Clermont Scott, of Rhode Island; her best friend, Tracy McDermott, of Chelmsford; her godchild, Austin Terrio. Among her many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, is a close uncle: Bob Arcand, of Dracut. She was the aunt and godmother of the late Aubrey Elaine Scott. LAWRENCE Relatives and friends are invited to a Funeral Mass on Saturday, August 23rd at 10 AM at the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH. Burial in St. Mary Cemetery, Tewksbury, MA. At her request, there will be no calling hours. Arrangements by Mahoney Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Travis Roy Foundation; ATTN: Brenda Taylor, Foundation Administrator, 111 Huntington Avenue, 19th Floor, Boston, MA 02199-7613 or www.travisroyfoundation.org. Arrangements by Mahoney Funeral Home. www.mahoneyfuneralhome.com
Published by Lowell Sun from Aug. 21 to Aug. 22, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Denice Lawrence

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37 Entries

Ed McCormack

February 7, 2021

Jim & Clermont Family,
I was sitting meditating Last night & Jim & Denice's Names came across my mind. I took to the computer & looked up Denice's Name & much to my dismay I found her obituary. There is dismay in this realization to find Denice's obit. 13 years after her passing. For I first met her when she was 13 y.o.a. for I was HER first therapist after she broke her neck. I can also let you know, I gave her away at her wedding to Jim. Everything that has been said about her here about her personality & her professionalism is absolutely true & then some.
Denice, this world was a better place because you were able to touch so many individual lives of those of us still Living. Let's hope we all remember what you taught us & the love you had in you heart for us all. Hope you have been enjoying you freedom as an Angel for you certainly has enough practice here on earth.
With much Love,
Ed

Denise

September 20, 2008

Dear Jim & Clermont Family
I am so sorry for your loss. Denice will sorely be missed by all who knew her. Many years have gone by when our families enjoyed the summers at the 5 B's Campground. We had so much fun.(swimming, catching frogs,sitting by the campfire listening to my father sing) The good old days. But it never mattered if it had been 30 years or yesterday at Market Basket, Denice always gave a big hug, a smile and the feeling that she was happy to see you, the feeling was mutual. I will miss that my friend... Denice, I know you are watching us from above, Peace to you til we meet again.
Love Denise (Roucher)

Jim Lawrence

September 19, 2008

Dearest Friends of Denice,
I am overwhelmed by the love you have all shown Denice through your words and actions. I couldn't read the guest book for a long time and still cry from the words and unspoken ones. Denice was my angel as I know that God had brought us together for a purpose. I believe that purpose was to love, be in love and show how to love. There are many memories I have of Denice and I and cherish them. Many of you knew Denice longer than I and have memories before her accident. She now no longer has to be in a wheelchair as her heavenly spirit is among us. I can see her smile and next to her the Dunkin' coffee! The house is empty without her sometimes wondering when she'll be home from work. And when I enter her "Aruba room" I wonder if she made it just for me to sit and relax and be at peace.
Thank you all for loving Denice. She was very special to us all.
Jim

Jennifer Kurrus

September 13, 2008

Denice, It still hasn't really sunk in that you are gone. I pass by your parking space every day and expect to see your black van.
I always saw you as a kindred spirit-we spent many hours after work (sorry Jim) commiserating and processing cases and problems in the office as well as sharing outlooks on life. You truly loved the work, despite its stresses. You were a 'lifer' - hooked on the highs that you get from a job well done - from knowing that you made a real difference for so many people who had noone else pulling for them. You were a born advocate - both an eloquent speaker and passionate about injustice. You spoke from the heart but you never lost your sense of perspective or your sense of humor. You truly liked and cared about your clients, even the difficult ones, and though you were often exasperated I think you also truly liked and cared about most of your opponents, even the difficult ones. This unique combination of qualities made you a formidable advocate and also has endeared you to so many. It would be hard not to respect and love someone like that. You are such a big part of MVLS -I hope that we can keep your spirit alive as we go forward.
I will truly miss you

William McDermet

September 2, 2008

A better lawyer than all the lawyers I know put together; more shear goodness than all the people I know put together.

Eugene Langner

August 31, 2008

Denice, you were a valued colleague and a good friend. Just knowing you were there made the world a little better place. You fought the good fight, and I wish you peace. I'll miss you.

Eugene

Cousin-Shelley Arcand Heller

August 27, 2008

I will never forget our college memories with Denice at the University of Central Florida. This passage is a true reflection of her.

"I shall pass through this world but Once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, Let me not defer or neglect it for I shall not pass this way again.

Jim I wished I had the opportunity to meet you.

Sending my long distant family my condolences.

Love Shelley and Bill

Mike Morin

August 25, 2008

I am saddenened all the more since reading this guest book.
Denice was always a great positive person despite her phycical issues.
I/we were talking about finding Denice to include her in an Upward Bound gathering.
I will miss you Denice.

Mike Morin

Colleen and Brian Reese

August 25, 2008

Just a few months ago, a beautiful picture was taken of my cousin Denice and I at our wedding. I will treasure that picture always. We will miss her greatly. Brian and I are praying for all of the friends and family.
Much love from Colleen Arcand Reese and Brian Reese.

Lyn Whyte

August 25, 2008

Denice, words cannot explain how sad we all are that you have left us so young. I spent lots of time on opposite sides of the fence with you but as many times on the same side. You were my professional go to person for guidance on legal issues relating to housing and of course we shared many ideas on our favorite spots in Aruba from our friendship side. You will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Jim and your family.

Karen Mahoney

August 25, 2008

Denice,

You are my best friend. Although our friendship was mostly at work, we shared so much. We knew each others thoughts, feelings, family gossip,we shared our joy and our pain,we even finished each others sentences at times. There was never a moment that you were to busy for me. You accepted and loved me no matter what, I learned so much about life from you. I looked forward to seeing you each and every day of the week for over 21 years. Did I ever tell you how much I admire you for your strength and independance? Did I ever tell you that you are my hero, just for what you had to do each day just to get into work? Did I ever tell you how lucky I am to have you as my friend? Did I ever tell you how much I love you? Please forgive my selfishness at being just a little angry at you, I am lost and don't know what I will ever do without you. When I heard the words "Denice died today" I knew my life had changed and would never be the same. If I live another hundred years, I will never have another you. I will never forget you.
Your friend, Karen

Tanya Rivera

August 23, 2008

We always take for granted,
what we think we’d never lose.
Because we never thought it would happen,
until we heard the news.

They say you were chosen for his garden,
His preciously hand picked bouquet.
“God really needed her,
That’s why she couldn’t stay.”

Saying goodbye is never easy,
It’s the hardest thing to do.
But what hurts us even more
Is not the chance to say it to you.

So today, Jesus, as you are listening
in your home above;
Would you go and find Denice,
And give her all our love!

**Forever in our hearts and prayers.**

Erik Clermont

August 22, 2008

Dear Uncle Jim,
My heart goes out to you and the family. I never would've thought that the next time I saw you it would be under these circumstances. Auntie is dancing in the clouds right now with a smile from ear to ear. I wish that in life I could've shared more memories with you two, but the few that I have are great ones. Listening to everyone talk about you both together and how great you were makes me wish that in life I will be able to share something as great with a special some one, as you both shared.

Lori McBride

August 22, 2008

Dear Denice,

I cannot fathom that you have left this world, and cannot believe that we will never work together again.

Even though we had many "spirited debates" regarding our cases and clients over the years, in the end, I truly admired and respected you as both a colleague and a person of great strength, and I considered you a friend.

I cannot imagine anyone else doing your job the way you did it, and I will truly miss working with you and seeing you in Housing Court on Mondays.

Rest in peace, my friend.......Lori McBride

Tracy McDermott

August 22, 2008

This is a poem Denice wrote for me.

Treasured Times

It is hard to believe how quickly time has passed,
it seems like just yesterday, we wore matching hats (Colleen bought us matching jean jackets and Dynomite jean hats when we were 12)

Then we shared young girl dreams and secret wishes,
of boys we may marry, and those first kisses.

Friends we became as the years went by,
endless sharing of laughter and times when we cry.

How can I tell you how much it has meant,
now I treasure your friendship and times we spent.

Trusting each other with our truest parts,
releasing our fears and secrets of our hearts.

Time will come and time will go,
but as it passes there is one thing I know.

My friend your are and this a fact,
a Gift from God and I thank him for that.
Your forever friend Denice.

Denice,
You captured the 33 + years of our relationship in this poem. You were my anchor. I miss you already. You are always in my heart. I will be there for Jim & your family.
Love, Tracy

Cynthia Bent

August 22, 2008

Dear Professor Lawrence,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that my thoughts are with you and your family.
Cynthia Bent
Fitchburg State Graduate Student

Robert and Michaelanne Ryan

August 22, 2008

Jim, it seems like just yesterday we saw the two of you at the Westford Regency for brunch. I remember all of the great times we had as kids in the hood as Tracy writes. She was much too young. I'm sure Karen is walking with Denise now. Our prayers are with you and the entire family.

Audrey (Ryan) Belanger

August 22, 2008

Jim,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and Denise's family. I've known Denise for many years and always admired her strength. Her and my sister Karen were friends for many years and though both of them have been taken from us too early I find comfort in knowing they will re-unite in Heaven. God Bless!

Bonnie Ferron

August 22, 2008

Dear Family:

I have you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Remembering when the Clermont family lived on Ave A/Lowell. Denice always wanted to sit next to Aunt Bonnie. I will treasure the memories in my heart.

Denice was like a beautiful butterfly, a symbol of hope, strength and COURAGE.

I weep silently.

Bonnie Arcand Ferron

David Hedison

August 22, 2008

My dear friend Denice.... I am speechless. You left much too early! We worked together on opposites sides of the table for over a decade. Your committment, smile and out look on life will never be forgotten. I am truly sad that I will not see you in my office again. Be well my friend.

Benita Bragan

August 22, 2008

Dear Family,words just can't explain how I feel for all of you,Denice will be your shining light from heaven and I hope she and Tommy are sharing agreat time together .I love you all.
Bonnie Bragan

Thomas/Tracy McDermott

August 22, 2008

I have ben blessed to have known
Denise most of my life
we had a lot of fun growing up in the housing project block partys
playing in the hood/ going to the beach
WE will miss you

Debbie Monahan

August 22, 2008

Dear Jim,
We are so sorry for your loss. Denice was a wonderful person and she never went by my house and not say hello to my little girl when she was out playing. My children always would get excited when she would be out with the dogs and the new dog was my little one favorite, we will keep her in our prayers . May god bless you and your family and help you threw this hard time

Karen (Smith) Ricoy

August 21, 2008

Tim, and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Denise. I knew you and Denise when I was about 10 years old. My Aunt lived on Avenue C. You were my first crush. We used to play at the playground and go swimming in the pool. Life was so much simpler back in those days. May God send peace to your family at this time. I send my prayers and love to you all.

Joe and Flo Parrino

August 21, 2008

Our cxondolences to Jim and family. Denice was an inspiration to all who were fortunate to know her. She was a woman of great courage and good humor.I remember driving past her house when she was planting some flowers a neighbor had given her. She was sitting on the lawn digging holes with a garden spade. She refused help and today those plants stand, growing in neat rows, a tribute to Denice's fortitude and determination. May God give consolation to her family and grant her eternal peace and happiness in His kingdom.

Darlene (Mercier) Lawrenson

August 21, 2008

I saw Denise on mondays at the Registry of Deeds. She always had a great smile on her face. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Pamela (Arcand) D'Auteuil & Family

August 21, 2008

Dearest Denice,


I can remember you when I was a little girl. You were so happy and so fun to be around. The day you had your accident and you became paralyzed, was traumatizing to the whole family. You spent a year or more, in the hospital. Lowell Public schools weren't ready for you. You changed the handicap accessibility, for future students.

I can remember making plans for my first marriage. I was SO nervous to ask you to be my maid of honor.

Years have gone by and you actually lived life to the fullest, even though you were paraplegic.

Now, God has taken you! May you sore the earth and fly high above us! My last wish for you, is to now walk through the gates of heaven. Now, please find Aubrey and be re-united with my lil flower girl.

Have I ever told ya? Your my hero!
Rest In Peace, my dear Maid of Honor!



God Saw You...
by Author Unknown


God saw you getting tired,
When a cure was not to be.
So He wrapped his arms around you,
and whispered, "Come to me".
You didn't deserve what you went through,
So He gave you rest.


God's garden must be beautiful,
He only takes the best
And when I saw you sleeping,
So peaceful and free from pain
I could not wish you back
To suffer that again....

rita purcell

August 21, 2008

please accept my heartfelt sympathy.

roberta colley

August 21, 2008

I am sorry for your loss.

Darlene Lawrenson

August 21, 2008

My deepest condolences to the family of Denise. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Diane

August 21, 2008

Jim
I am so very sorry to hear about Denice. May you know that she will surely be with you in spirit always. You have your own private angel.

Carol Sylvester

August 21, 2008

I went to school with Denice. She was a great great person that I will always have fond memories of.
Love Carol

Lucille Asselin

August 21, 2008

My deepest condolences to the family of Denise, who was an inspiration to all. I admired her courage and stamina. May God give you strength in the days ahead.

Julie DeMange

August 21, 2008

The Iris means faith, hope, wisdom, courage & admiration; all attributes of Denice. In ancient times, the Iris was the personification of the rainbow; the link between heaven & earth.

Denice, May your journey to the end of the rainbow end at a "pot of Irises." You will be missed; rest in peace.

Sandra Buker

August 21, 2008

Denice,
I am so glad I had the opportunity to know you. You changed the way I think about things.. I will miss you!
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.. I will always remember you! Thank you for being such a wonderful helpful person to everyone who came your way!

Carol McDermott

August 21, 2008

I've known Denice for 25 years through my husband and his family. Denice was more than a friend to his sister-she was and always will be remembered as family. I will always remember her laughter and great stories of growing up with the McDermotts. All our love and condolences to Jim and her family. She will forever be in our hearts.

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