Barbara Helen Lawrence

On Thursday, December 11, 2025, after a courageous 40+ year battle with chronic kidney disease including 5 years on dialysis, Barbara Helen Lawrence passed from the loving arms of her family into the eternal embrace of the Holy Father.

Born on July 9, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan, Barbara was the first of four children to Perella and Maurice (Bud) Tull. She graduated from Kimball High School in 1961 and went on to take community college courses before welcoming her first daughter, Ann-Marie. Throughout her life, Barbara worked in several roles, including at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak in the pharmacy department and later at an office in Oak Park, Michigan. She also worked as an AVON representative and earned an award for the President's Club.

Barbara met the love of her life, Wendell "Jay" Lawrence Jr., and after a year of dating, they married on October 6, 1979. They shared 45 devoted years of marriage. Just a year into their marriage, Barbara welcomed her second daughter, Megan, even as she faced a new diagnosis of kidney disease. Her strength, perseverance, and love for her family guided her through every challenge.

Barbara loved water and swimming, puzzles, games, crosswords, and playing cards. She also loved reading books to all the children in the family, and she was a talented writer. She will be remembered for her resilience, wittiness, kindness, and unwavering love for her family. Her legacy of strength and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Barbara is survived by her children: Ann-Marie Czuchaj Bishop (Brian), Megan Elizabeth Lawrence Long (Tyler), Stepson Bradley Lawrence (Linda) and by her fur baby and best dog, Gracie.

She was blessed with many grandchildren and step-grandchildren: Kurt, Ryan, Rachael, Jacob, Tiffani, Shane, Evan, Marcus, and Emma; and great-grandchildren Aubrey, Emory, Parker, Caden, Logan, with another expected in June 2026.

She is also survived by her siblings: Doug Tull (Lori), Faye Mathia, Maureen Clement and In-laws: Tim Clement, Wendy Maynard, Linda Campbell (Walter).

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Perella and Maurice (Bud) Tull; her beloved husband Jay; her brothers-in-law David Mathia and David Lawrence; her niece Kimberly Mathia and a great-grandchild who gained her wings before birth.

Barbara's family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the nurses, aides, and staff at MediLodge of Traverse City for the exceptional care, support, and friendship shown to her since August 2023 and the Munson Dialysis Center staff of Traverse City since 2020. They also express deep gratitude to Hospice of Michigan and the compassionate hospice nurses who comforted her in her final days.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 17, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 12675 Center Road, Traverse City, MI 49686 on Old Mission Peninsula. A luncheon will be held in the parish hall immediately following Mass.

Those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a donation in Barbara's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Hospice of Michigan or the charity of your choice.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com