In Loving Memory of Mary Ann (Mitchell) Lawliss

It is with deep love and gratitude that the life of Mary Ann (Mitchell) Lawliss is honored and celebrated. She passed away on August 25, 2026, at 79 years old, leaving behind a legacy of love, devotion, and family. She taught those around her that love could be found in the smallest of acts – a warm cup of coffee, a thoughtful phone call, or a handwritten note. Her life was a beautiful example of selflessness, and her spirit will forever be the thread that binds her family together.

Mary Ann was born on March 2,1947, to Donald Harry and Dora (Miner) Mitchell. She married the love of her life, Winston “Duffy” Lawliss on March 27, 1967. Together, they raised six children in a home filled with love, warmth, and encouragement. Being a mother was one of the greatest joys of Mary Ann’s life, and when her children began families of their own, she lovingly took on the role of “Grammy” to her 12 grandchildren. She cherished her time with them and took immense pride in the family that had grown from the love she and Duffy had built together.

Mary Ann was a cherished pillar of the Dannemora community. For more than 40 years, she served as the organist and music and choir director of St. Joseph’s Parish. Throughout the years, her music became part of countless milestones in the lives of others as she played the organ for weddings, funerals, and other special occasions, lending comfort, beauty, and grace to some of life’s most meaningful moments. Her commitment to her community extended beyond the church, as she proudly served as secretary of the library board, giving her time and energy to a place that brought knowledge, connection, and opportunity to the community she loved.

For many years, Mary Ann sold Avon, a role she truly enjoyed not only for the products she shared with others, but for the opportunity it gave her to visit, socialize, and build friendships with the many people she met along the way. She cherished these connections and the simple joy of spending time with others.

Mary Ann was a proud and devoted member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas since 1971. Over more than five decades, she embraced the organization’s spirit of faith, friendship, and service, serving in numerous roles, including Regent member, Financial Secretary, and District Deputy. She was also instrumental in helping organize and maintain the community calendar.

Mary Ann is survived by her devoted husband of 59 years, Winston “Duffy” Lawliss, and their six children: Michael Lawliss and his wife, Meghan, and their children, Emily, Mairead, Erin, Aoife, Chloe, and Siobhan; Kathleen Lawliss and her wife, Mary Bohlig; Joseph Lawliss and his wife, Ksenia, and their children, Nicholas and Anya; Donna Lynch and her husband, Philip, and their children, Molly and James; Elizabeth Lawliss and her husband, Derek Payne, and their children, Malcolm and Grace; and Matthew Lawliss. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Tina (Thomas) Oddi, as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, and dear friends whose lives she touched throughout the years.

She was predeceased by her mother and father, her four brothers Donald Francis, John, Anthony, and Patrick.

Mary Ann leaves behind more than memories. She leaves a family shaped by her love, friendships strengthened by her kindness, and a community enriched by her years of service. Her legacy will live on in the music she played, the traditions she passed down, the stories that will continue to be told, and in the small acts of kindness she modeled throughout her life. Her love, warmth, generosity, and devotion to others will remain a lasting part of the lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Mary Ann’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause she and Winston regularly supported throughout her life and one that reflects the compassion and generosity she showed throughout her life.

Calling hours for Mary Ann will be held on Friday, August 28, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the R.W. Walker Funeral Home in Plattsburgh. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 29, at 1:30 p.m. at St. Alexander’s Church in Morrisonville. Following the funeral, a reception will take place in the White Room at Rainbow Wedding and Banquet Hall in Altona, NY.

Burial will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Dannemora at a later date.

Those wishing to share a photo, story, or condolence with the family are invited to visit www.rwwalkerfh.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to R.W. Walker Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 69 Court Street, Plattsburgh, NY.