Helen Lawrence

Lawrence, Helen Elizabeth
March 15, 1908 - April 15, 2012
Helen Elizabeth Ashby Lawrence, born March 15, 1908 and a long time resident of Rossbury Place in Cheviot Hills, CA, passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 15th, 2012 exactly one month after celebrating her 104th birthday with her family. Helen is survived by her daughter Pamela Lawrence Leonard and her granddaughter Amanda Elizabeth Sandmore. Helen was preceded in death by her granddaughter Tracy Wood-Adams Clarke, her sisters Francie Moore, Marjorie Schmitz and Jean Higgins, her step-sister Peggy Roberts and her husband of 65 years, Edward "Eddie" Lawrence, one of the last members of MGM's renowned Publicity Department during its halcyon years. Lawrence was a publicist for the legendary Culver City Studio for 33 years spearheading campaigns for such screen classics as "Pride and Prejudice", "Waterloo Bridge", "Butterfield 8" and "Romeo and Juliet". As Eddie's wife Helen was constantly "on" and had to deal with the high pressure demands routine to Eddie's job of shepherding such well known personalities as Greer Garson, Lana Turner, Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. After retiring in 1969, Helen and Eddie spent much of their leisure time traveling and had particularly fond memories of their time spent in Ireland and the Greek Isles. After Eddie's death Helen became the elder statesperson of Rossbury Place. A committed liberal, Helen was well read, articulate and an animated and interesting conversationalist with a quick wit who loved a good, heated discussion on almost any topic she could wrap her mind around. Incredibly intelligent, she displayed a unique Irish insight that captivated those around her. All of five foot one, even after turning 100, she enjoyed being the center of attention in any room she entered and the conversation surrounding her was sure to be lively. To those close to her she'd remind them on occasion that her moniker was "mean and tough". Though it was always said with a twinkle in her eye, it proved to be a strength that helped her make it past 104. A lady of very strong opinions, she'll be remembered with a glass of Jameson's and water in one hand and a cigarette in the other waiting to engage the next soul who dared to disagree with her point of view. The Little Lady will be sorely missed. A celebration of her life will be held in the back yard of her home at 10334 Rossbury on Saturday, April 28th, from 12:00 - 2:00PM. Per her wish, Helen will be cremated and her ashes sprinkled in the sea along with those of her husband Eddie and her beloved dog Charley. In lieu of flowers, keep in mind Helen's love of animals and make a donation to your local pet adoption agency.