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Ariel Lawson Obituary
LAWSON
ITHACA - Ariel Grace Lawson, 23, of Ithaca, passed away Saturday, January 9, 2010.
Originally from Tampa, Florida, Ariel graduated from Tampa Bay Tech High School in 2004. In the fall of 2004, Ariel began attending Wells College and graduated in 2008, majoring in sociology with minors in environmental science and social and economic justice. During her time at Wells College, Ariel served as Vice President of Collegiate Cabinet, Captain of her soccer and lacrosse teams, Director of the Community Court, Director of the Whirligigs, and Director of the Activism Symposium Club.
Ariel is survived by her partner, Kimberly Jaskula of Ithaca; father, Robert Lawson of FL; mother, Jeanne Scott of MN; brother, Eric of FL; sisters, Rachael of FL, and Anna of PR; grandmother, Angela of FL; uncle, Edward of FL; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Ariel will always be remembered for her passion for life and loved ones, contributions to her community, sense of humanity, generosity, warmth, kindness, loyalty, and her fierce independence. Ariel touched the lives of everyone she encountered and she will be carried with us always in our hearts and minds. Ariel will be sorely missed, but she will also live on in others through the gift of her organ donations.
A memorial service will be held 7:00 p.m., Monday, January 11, 2010, in Phipps Auditorium at Wells College, 117 Main Street, Aurora, NY 13026.
Contributions can be made to Wells College, 117 Main St., Aurora, NY 13026, in memory of Ariel Lawson, Attn: Pam Sheridan.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ariel Lawson
Wells Sister '99
January 19, 2010
I have to believe that a Spirit like yours, Ariel, continues to cheer us, love us, and guide us.
And if there is a large, lush playing field up yonder (there HAS to be, it's Heaven!) then I expect you are giving those Angels a run for their money.
I swear I can hear laughter and cheering...
PETER & SHARON MITTENTHAL
January 16, 2010
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Jennifer & Adam Houle
January 16, 2010
Ariel, was a bright shining star, who always bought light to everyone around her. She was such a wonderful and beautiful person. Always thinking of other before herself. We will truly miss her, but her spirit will always live on with us.
Kristi
January 16, 2010
Ariel was an amazing person with a huge heart. She was so ambitious and driven. She enriched so many lives and her memories we have shared with her will continue to enrich more lives. Her smile, her laugh, her hugs, her heart, her soul and even her tears made her who she is and for that she will forever remain as a romodel for me and many others. Her spirit and her heart will forever grace us. With love.
January 15, 2010
I knew Ariel in high school and love being around her. Every morning I saw on on the bus to school she was smiling in great sprits. I as was sad to see that she is leaving us after such a short time. my prayers and sympathy go out to her family. She will be greatly missed and always loved.
Estela & Family Abbatiello
January 15, 2010
Ari, I will always remember your mischievious smile as a little girl. I had not seen you for many years since you left to study in NY but thoughts of you always remained. Mom (Jean) was so proud of her "baby". You will forever be Ari, young and carefree in our hearts and mind. We will keep the music playing..rest well.
Elizabeth Campbell
January 15, 2010
I taught Ariel in high school and I remember her as such a beautiful person. She completed a senior mastery project on music therapy and burned a copy of the music for me. I still have that copy. Her magical smile and positivity were endearing.
Katherine & Roger Clapp
January 15, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers go with your family in their sorrow. Remember her with Love, Laughter and Joy.
January 15, 2010
Ariel was a beautiful and amazing person. I had the pleasure of playing soccer with her, and knowing her throughout my college experience. She changed my life and she looked out for me and her other sisters, and I know that she still is. I will never forget Ariel. I keep our laughs and memories close to my heart and you left a mark on me. I love you Ariellie, Rest in Peace friend. [A.H]
January 14, 2010
I never met Ariel, but I heard only good things from her partner's family. Even in passing she gave the gift of life to others, and she inspired me to sign my organ donor card. My thoughts and prayers are with her partner and her family.
Jaclyn York
January 14, 2010
I am deeply saddened by this news. I knew Ariel from working together with her at Publix. She was always so cheerful and happy, and I loved being around her. I missed her when she moved up to NY, and I am sad that I did not keep in touch with her better over the years. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. The world will be a little less joyful with you not around, Ariel. May God Bless you.
January 14, 2010
I send my thoughts and prayers to you and your family, Ariel. Being the strong Wells woman that you were, you have showed the world love and kindness during your short life. You will always be in my heart. Rest in Peace, beautiful.
KK '00
January 13, 2010
I had the privilege o' meeting Ariel & her fellow teammates during soccer/lax games in the Metro DC area. I'm thankful that Coach Chris encouraged me to come out (as a Wells Alumnae) to cheer them on! :) Had I not done so, I would not have been blessed w/ the memories o' her spirit--on and off the soccer or lax fields. May you be well, wherever you're runnin' & jumpin' up there, #18.
p.s. A light was lit for you from VA--as you were a light to many...
January 12, 2010
to the lawson family, my love and prayers go out to you, what a loss, but she will be forever in our hearts....she has definately left something in all of us ..a truely great girl....you did a good job...she was a wonderful young lady ...
Anna Vences
January 12, 2010
Ariel was such a great person and still is. I know that wherever you are you are making an impact. I love you so much and It was a pleasure to watch you grow up and to grow up with you. I love you. Always and forever. My deepest thoughts go to the entire Lawson family
Lisa Turan Burns
January 12, 2010
I regret that I did not get to know Ariel, but I have heard such wonderful things about her from my brother, Dave. I am so sorry that her friends and family have endured such a loss. You are all in my prayers.
January 12, 2010
We have been blessed to know Ariel since my daughter, Carolyn, brought her home in the 6th grade. I always expected great things from her and am so very sad that she has left us so soon. The pain that her parents, family, partner, and friends feel at this time seems unbearable and my heart goes out to all. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy during this most difficult time.
Sincerely,
Lynnette DuPont
January 12, 2010
Ariel - you were, and always will be my hero. Special, thoughtful people like you, say, and do, special, thoughtful things. Thank you for making me feel so very special.
January 12, 2010
Ariel, you were and always will be my hero. Special, thoughtful people like you always say, and do, special, thoughful things. Thank you for making me - and so very many others - feel so special.
Lauren Tillapaugh
January 12, 2010
I worked with Ariel at the Aurora Inn and although I didn't know her well, I was always impressed by her confidence and grace - she was a Strong Wells Woman. My heart aches for her friends and family and for those I know in Aurora who love her and will miss her greatly.
Chrissie Wais
January 12, 2010
Ariel's special character and goodness were obvious within the first five minutes of meeting her. In the struggle through this difficult time, my thoughts are with all whose lives she touched.
Shelly "Mrs. H." Hollingsworth
January 12, 2010
All of Ariel's Titan family in Tampa are saddened by this loss. It is pleasing to see that she went on to impact so many others at Wells. Blessings and strength to you all.
Kimberly Chadbourne
January 12, 2010
Rest in peace Ariel. I am sorry we have not kept in touch since high school but it broke my heart to hear what happened. I wil keep your family in my prayers.
January 11, 2010
Ariel inspired me. She was my role model. I learned from her dedication and passion. I listen to the lessons she taught and I hope to continue her fight for social justice. She is truly an amazing person. It is a great tragedy to this world. Your Wells sisters love you and always will!
January 11, 2010
we enjoyed having Ariel in our family and will miss her greatly. Tom & Kathleen Frey
January 11, 2010
To Ariels family you are in my prayers.
Colleen Smith-Gleeson
January 11, 2010
I had the privilege and honor of knowing Ariel through shared memories with me from all of her family, friends and through her song. Her beautiful voice is being heard by angels but her legacy will continue to live on through her most generous "Gift of Life". Thank you and your daughter for her most precious gifts. May this help comfort you all in this time of sorrow.
January 11, 2010
It brings me pain to know that the last time we spoke was many years ago and I was not able to see the evolution of soul into the person she was today. I do know that the person that she was then was wonderful and I can expect that who she become was even greater. I am very sad to know that her physical self will no longer be on this earth but I find joy in knowing that her beautiful spirit, her soul will be here in our hearts forever. May the lord bless and keep her soul as well as heal your hearts for your loss.
With Love,
Jessica and The Jefferson Family (Tampa, Fl)
Jeff & Mary Ann Van Buren
January 11, 2010
Ariel visited our Western Pennsylvania farm some 13-14 years ago with her family. Along with her siblings, other relatives kids and my children we watched as most collected fireflies by a dusky moonlight night. As the fog returned to the blackberry patch that had proved a great harvest ground, the children exclaimed that Ariel had the most. We wish the family our deepest sympathy and will miss Ariel
Courtney Strack
January 11, 2010
my deepest sympathy goes out to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing such a bubbly and wonderful person; my thoughts and prayers especially go out to her family & her partner; may you all have some comfort in knowing how much ariel positively impacted the lives of others. i will never forget her and the joy she brought to everyone around her. may she rest in peace
January 11, 2010
My condolences to Ariel's family, partner and friends(especially to her Well's family). Sincerly, Kelly Moselle (formerly Associate Dean Moselle)
Rhonda Dellinger
January 11, 2010
I first met Ariel in Community Court and remember how impressed I was at her strong conviction to justice. At other encounters at the Inn and around campus, she always lit up the room with her smile. Losing such a deeply wonderful young lady at such a young age is truly a tragedy. But as all those who know her would expect, she insured that she would continue to serve mankind even after her time here was done through organ donation. Her love of life will continue on and she will live in all our hearts forever.
January 11, 2010
i went to school with Ariel for a short time and she was the kind of person who made the world, and the people around her better. she will be missed
January 11, 2010
It's not the years in your life that count; it's the amount of life in your years. Your life was full albeit saddeningly short. We'll miss you on Wed. nights at the Fargo.
Jay and Deana Spurgeon
January 11, 2010
Bob and Ed...Deana and I want to express our deepest sympathy to you and the Lawson Family for the loss of your wonderful Ariel. We wish you peace...
Ron Costello
January 11, 2010
You are the pride of our family in so many ways. I feel badly that i only have known you as a child and young lady but not as the beautiful woman that you became. The love you gave to so many is being returned now to the family in so many ways. We will always keep you in our heats. your cousin Ron
Alan Eaton
January 11, 2010
Ariel had a way of always knowing what to say and never taking life to seriously. She will be missed and will live on in her family and friends.
C Garcia
January 11, 2010
Your brillant and beautiful, I will miss you. Through time I've adpopted you and your family as my own. I know you are in the arms of God now but I still wish you were in ours. I love you.
G Frank
January 11, 2010
Simply put, it would be hard to find a better friend than Ariel. There are millions of reasons why I will never stop loving and missing her. It has truly been an honor and a privilege to be a part of her life...and I am much better off for being her friend.
January 11, 2010
Jerry and Gloria Jaskula
Barbara Schnabel
January 11, 2010
Kim, My heart is aching for you and I wish I could take the pain away. I am here to support you in any way you need.
January 11, 2010
Ariel Grace you are such a beautiful woman, and will be missed by so many. You have changed so many peoples lives for the better. Keep us strong. Always in our hearts love.
Erika DeCaito
January 11, 2010
Ari, you are like a little sister to me; my family. I will hold all of our childhood memories dear at heart and cherish them forever. You are truly one of a kind and nothing can take your place. We love you soooo much and you will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the Lawson's during this difficult and trying time.
John Wedler
January 11, 2010
Ariel, I am so fortunate that you touched my life in your journey.
You will be here always, in my heart.
Marylou Schlieder
January 11, 2010
I only met Ariel twice, but in that short time was impressed by her intelligence, warmth, and care for others. The world has lost a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.
Miki Skinner
January 11, 2010
Ariel was a joy to be around, her laughs & smiles were contagious. I feel truly blessed to have the opportunity & privilege to grow up with her. Knowing her the past 13 years, has been a honor. She will always live on thru memories & in the hearts of all that loved her & lives were touched by her beautiful soul. My beautiful Rielson, I will miss & love you forever…good nite sweet angle, for this is not a good-bye. I believe that one day I will see you again. Until then…
My thoughts & prayers are with the entire Lawson family, I love you all.
January 11, 2010
As Ariel's Aunt,I wish to Thank All Of Those Who have been a part of Her Short but Beautiful Life on this Earth..Our Hearts are Deeply wounded! Please hold Her Father and Mother in Prayer,, Aunt Denise.
Jean Dickens
January 11, 2010
I will miss Ariel and her zeal for life. She was my little cousin and her family all the way from Arizona to New York is truly feeling the loss of such a wonderful person. Thank you to all her friends for making her life such a joy.
January 11, 2010
You made the best mix cds I've ever owned, gave Amazing hugs, and were hilarious.
I'm so glad to have known you.
Dorothy Jaskula
January 11, 2010
We love you so much, Ariel, you will be greatly missed...
Amanda "Waack" Kempf
January 11, 2010
We miss you, Ariel, and the fierce light you added to our lives...our sympathies to family and friends in this difficult time.
Nicole Rich
January 11, 2010
While I did not know Ariel, she was a good friend to my Aunt who worked with her at the Aurora Inn. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to her friends and family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers during the tough days ahead.
January 11, 2010
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Aimee Bacon
January 11, 2010
It was an honor to have known Ariel. She was a joy with a wonderful smile and kind words and she will be greatly missed.
Marett Seymour '98
January 11, 2010
To Ariel's family, friends and partner,
I am sorry to hear of the loss of a Wells sister. I know during this time of grief you can depend on the entire Wells community to come together to comfort you. Wells women are taught to be strong, comforting and to stand side by side when things get tough. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
January 11, 2010
We all love you so much, Ariel. Thank you for everything you did and all the love you gave.
Terry Tucker
January 11, 2010
My deepest sympathy to the Lawson family. Through Ed I feel that I have known Ariel forever. I know the pride and love for Ariel was so great and her memory will live forever.
January 11, 2010
Every time I saw Ariel she had a smile on her face. She was unfailingly kind and it was obviously from the moment I met her that she was a beautiful person, inside and out. She will be sorely missed.
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