Michael Robert Lawrence

Michael Robert Lawrence, 72, a resident of Pearland, TX, formerly of Newport, Oregon,Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and San Diego ,California ,passed away March 16, 2023 in Pearland, TX.

Michael was born in North Tonawanda, New York on February 1, 1951 and was of the Catholic faith. He served his country volunteering in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War as an Operating Room Technician stationed in Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio Texas. He attended the University of Buffalo, San Diego State and Buffalo State University. He had a Master’s Degree as a Reading Specialist. He taught for 30 years in various elementary schools in New York, North and South Carolina and Oregon. Considered a very talented, creative , loved teacher. He mentored education students from Wales and England for many years.

Michael was a very talented artist in many ways. He was a cartoonist , amateur video artist, and established painter. His works were displayed on the walls of the Pediatric Unit of Roswell Park Cancer Institute and Buffalo Jewish Center in Buffalo, New York.Michael was also a successful actor in various Community Theater productions in his home state of New York.He loved to entertain children with his silly songs on guitar.

He loved to travel with his wife and dog to many National Parks and his favorite was the Grand Tetons and Cody Wyoming. His last major trip overseas was to Thailand. He loved the Buddhist Temples. Yet, The elephants were his favorite.

He reunited with his son, Christopher George Lawrence.

Michael leaves behind his wife Mary Lawrence; son, Timothy James Lawrence; sister, Margaret Lawrence, husband Graham;

brother, John Charles Lawrence, Jr. wife Lynn and nieces and nephew.

11 comments

  1. Mary,
    Although it has been years since I have seen you or Mike, facebook always kept us in touch. The memories that you have will get you through these tough times.
    I love you cousin and may Godspeed.
    Annie Osypiewski – O’pray

    Annette D Opray
    • Love you too! I remember how he took us all to see Carrie… and we did not sleep all night after that one! He loved our family … and always felt loved!

      Mary P Lawrence
  2. Mike was a wonderful colleague and friend. He always had a smile and he always had something fun up his sleeve. He will be greatly missed. RIP Mike.

    Tina DiCarlantonio
    • Always funny , always Magic Mike!! So missed!

      Mary P Lawrence
  3. Dear Mary,
    Our sincere condolences for you and your son from us in Calgary
    Your memories with Mike will last forever though you are apart.
    His soul is up in heaven but he’ll never leave your heart.
    We love you Mary, ❤️
    Keep in touch,

    Barbara Ziemba
  4. Mary–We are so sad to hear of Mike’s passing. I remember how you saved him many years ago from a heart attack. Mike was a sweet, caring teacher and colleague. He was so creative and comical. John and Holly Lamparelli

    Holly Lamparelli
    • Oh Holly, thank you so much for your remembrance . Mike was funny until the day he died. He was a very positive, caring person always. His struggle with cancer was a long hard road for him. He tried so hard but this battle he could not win- nothing would work for him. But the one thing everyone he met has said- he was funny, he was caring and he loved life. A few days ago, I found a short letter he wrote to me and a painting he was working on… always full of surprises , that one. I miss him so much!

      Mary P Lawrence
  5. Dear Mary,

    It has been about fifty years that I have known both Michael and you. And right from the start it seemed that you were both meant to be together.
    I feel blessed to have known both of you and to have seen the love, friendship and spirit of adventure that you both shared.
    There needs to be more nice and kind people in this world like Michael.
    I always felt better and more positive about life after talking or being with Michael.
    He will be sorely missed and never forgotten.

    Much love to you,
    Warren

    Warren Lipkin
    • Thanks Warren, I know how much he meant to you…. he knew!

      Mary P Lawrence
  6. Dear Mary, I myself am Blessed to have known both of you here in Myrtle Beach,S.C. I saw first hand Mike’s beautiful art work when you both hosted delicious “Franciscan Food in Someone’s Home”, better known as FISH. You have been missed terribly. I know Mike is with his son Christopher and they are both at Peace with God in their Heavenly Home. May God be with you and your puppy Cody, who Mike loved to take for walks on the Oregon Pacific Beaches. Your Franciscan Brothers and Sisters of Blessed John Duns Scotus Fraternity love you dearly and wish you peace of mind, heart, and soul. God Bless.
    Pace e bene,
    Barbara

    Hannah Barbara Umpleby, OFS
    • Barbara… and all my Brothers and Sisters through Saint Frances… thank y’all from the bottom of my heart. You all meant so much to Mike. He started a painting of St Frances… but never got to finish. He was always a Franciscan in spirit- loving, kind and funny – maybe not in commitment- but in actions instead of words. He is watching from a higher place- so we all better be good! Both of us always missed our loving hearts from Myrtle Beach… PAX ET BONUM… my loverlys!

      Mary P Lawrence

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