Johan F. Lawler

In loving memory of a truly exceptional soul, we celebrate Johan Lawler, whose life was defined by kindness, understanding, honesty, strength, commitment, humor and most of all love. Johan sadly left us on Thursday March 13, 2025. She was loved and adored by everyone who knew her. She always included everyone and never failed to welcome new people into the fold. Johan would tell you how it was without hesitation, but without hurting your feelings. Throughout her life, she was the one you could always rely on. She was known by all for her playing mahjong, trading puzzles, reading books, making reservations, as well as organizing New Bedford Days in Florida for over 20 years.
Johan was a great wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. Although she will be dearly missed, Johan is now with her daughter LeeAnn and many other friends and family members having a big bash up there in the heavens. As we mourn her loss, we all have peace knowing she lives on in each of us. Our family will miss our matriarch tremendously. Love you Ma, Johan, Jo, Auntie, and Grams.
She is survived by her husband, Brian J. Lawler, her daughters, Stacey Hathaway and her husband Blaine, and Kerri Smith; her sons, Brendan Lawler and his wife Lisa, Barry Lawler and his wife Tracy, and Paul Lawler and his wife Phiory; her sisters, Virginia Morrison and Rae Ellen Donohue; and her dear friend, Joan Swain, who was like her sister. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Devan Oliver, Jason Oliver, Jr., Brett Hathaway, Taylor Lawler, Jillian Lawler, Taber Lawler, Asher Lawler, Adin Lawler, and Aria Lawler; her great-grandchildren, Landon Oliver, Julius Oliver, and Maya Alves; and nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her daughter, LeeAnn Walsh and her husband Douglas; her parents, Florence and Elmer MacKenzie and John Mullaly; and her brother, Ross MacKenzie.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday April 4th at 10 AM at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 121 Mt. Pleasant St., New Bedford. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Thursday April 3rd from 4-7 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to The Salvation Army, 619 Purchase St., New Bedford, MA 02740. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.