Irma Lawrence

1918 - 2015

Irma Lawrence

Marco Island, FL

Irma S. Lawrence, 97, of Naples, FL, widow of Arnold Lawrence, died Tuesday, November 24, 2015. Irma was a former resident of Manchester, CT and Marco Island, FL prior to moving to Naples.

Born on November 20, 1918, Irma met Arnold in 1933 when an errant shot on a handball court in Manhattan Beach, NY landed at her feet on an adjacent court. She was a graduate of Brooklyn College where she received a degree in art. Their courtship culminated in their marriage on September 26, 1941. During World War II they resided in Washington, DC where they worked for the US Navy and Irma started our family. When Arnold established his architectural practice in Manchester, CT in 1947 Irma began assisting him in the design of residences and apartments. She became a member of the American Institute of Interior Designers and developed color schemes and interiors for some of the larger commissions Arnold received. While residing in Manchester, Irma and Arnold became active in a variety of organizations, including the Republican Town Committee and membership in Temple Beth Sholom. Her love of art continued after Arnold retired in 1979 and Irma explored a variety of media including painting, fused glass and leaded glass creations working in tandem with Arnold. Many of their creations were displayed in juried exhibitions.

As some of the early residents on Marco Island starting in 1970, Irma and Arnold developed many friendships as the island grew in population. They became involved with the growing Jewish community and when the current congregation's building was designed they assisted in its planning. Irma designed the colorful stained glass windows that are a focal point of the Sanctuary.

They enjoyed traveling together to many of the national parks, first reading the history of the area and then taking photographs of these natural wonders. Irma and Arnold enjoyed spending time with their children and grandchildren during their many visits throughout the year. Irma was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She dedicated herself to supporting Arnold in his career while tirelessly raising four children.

Irma is survived by her four children: Wendy Levine and her husband Carl of Menlo Park, CA; Richard Lawrence and wife Elin formerly of Manchester, CT and currently of Ft. Lauderdale, FL and Charlestown, RI; Bonnie Judge and husband Bob of Clinton, CT; and Peter Lawrence and wife Margery of Avon, CT. She is survived by six grandchildren: Paul Levine, Jill Levitt, Jessica Lawrence, David Lawrence, Evan Lawrence and Leslie Lawrence and five great grandchildren: Alex and Andrew Levitt; Lauren and Noah Levine and Dominic Lawrence.

Graveside funeral services were held on Wednesday, November 2 5, 2015 at 2:00 PM at the cemetery of the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island.

Memorial donations may be made to the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island, 991 Wintonbury Drive, Marco Island, FL 34145 or to a charity of the donor's choice.