Barbara Nell Lawrence

Barbara Nell Lawrence, age 88, of Chesapeake, Virginia, passed away on January 29, 2026. She was born on February 15, 1937, in Stillwater, Oklahoma, the daughter of Roy and Florence Corinne Olinghouse.

Barbara's early life was spent in Oklahoma, where she cherished memories of family road trips, visits to her grandparents' farm, and a deep connection to her roots, particularly her mother's Robinson lineage, which traced back to a Virginia plantation in the 1600s. Her maternal ancestry also proudly included Penelope Stout, a colonial settler who survived a shipwreck and Native American attacks, living to the age of 110.

In 1957, Barbara moved to California, where she married U.S. Navy sailor James Timothy Dermody aboard the USS Kearsarge in San Diego. Together, they had three children: Karen Corinne Dermody, Angela Sue Dermody, and Timothy Patrick Dermody. After 18 years, the couple parted ways, but Barbara's love for her children and her role as a mother remained central throughout her life. Later, she remarried Ken Lawrence, who passed away just four years later. She never remarried after his death.

Barbara worked as an administrative assistant at Lockheed in Fremont, California, where she lived for many years before moving to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. There, she became a passionate fan of the New England Patriots, and especially Tom Brady, following his career as he moved to Tampa Bay and won another Super Bowl.

Barbara's life was marked by her love of adventure and nature. She enjoyed camping, treasure hunting for arrowheads, fossils, and gemstones, gardening, and baking – her homemade pumpkin pies were legendary. She was also an accomplished quilter, crafting beautiful works for family and friends.

A highlight of her life was taking her beloved 1986 Bronco 2 on an off-road adventure to Colorado with her son, Tim, and his best friend. She often spoke fondly of this trip and her childhood adventures in the Rockies.

In her later years, Barbara moved to King George, Virginia, to be closer to her son Tim and his family, eventually residing with them in Chesapeake, where she lived until her passing. Despite health challenges, including kidney dialysis, Barbara continued to travel and made two unforgettable trips to Newfoundland, where she fell in love with the people, the scenery, the icebergs, and the lobster.

Barbara leaves behind a large and loving family, including her children Karen, Angela, Timothy, and daughter-in-law Regina, as well as 10 grandchildren: Heather Maloy (Sean), Ashleigh Dec (Jonathan), Joelle Streib (Spencer), Gregory Watson, Brian Gifford, Samantha Hall (Lyle), Brooke Barens, Sierra Welsh (Jake), Sean Dermody, and Stephanie Dermody. She is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren. Barbara had a special bond with her nieces and nephews, the late Dennis Hultberg, John Smith, Eila Smith, and Kathleen Barnes, and their late mother, Pat Barnes, whom she considered a sister. She also leaves behind many loving cousins and dear friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Sunset Beach State Park, CA, on Monterey Bay. All those wishing to attend are kindly asked to RSVP by emailing Dermody@hotmail.com.

Barbara's legacy of love, adventure, and family will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.