Anna Pauline Lawrence (Sullivan) Obituary (1930 - 2021)

Anna Pauline Sullivan Lawrence Horseheads, NY Last surviving daughter of Michael Justin Sr. and Katherine Martin Sullivan went to heaven on March 7, 2021. Anna was born on April 28, 1930 in Elmira, NY. She is survived by the love of her life and husband of nearly 70 years, Frederick Rising Lawrence, their children, Larry Lee (Kathleen) with their children, her precious grandchildren, Leeann and Caitlin, and Frederick Michael (Lori) and their children, her precious grandchildren, Molly and Samuel. Also surviving are her brother Martin M. (Patricia) Sullivan and her sister-in-law, Mrs. Michael (Cynthia) Sullivan. She is also survived by nephews and nieces, Michael - her'3rd son' (Cathy) Peterson, Patricia (Darryl) Yandle, Kay (Don) Vorhees, Susan (Charles) Austin, Richard (Loralee) Mattison and Neil Mattison, Michael (Rose) Sullivan, Mark (Leeandra) Sullivan, Timothy Sullivan, Christopher (Michelle) Sullivan, Martin (Kim) Sullivan, Mary Sullivan, Patrick (Caitlin) Sullivan, and Sean Sullivan. Anna was predeceased by her parents, her sister Katherine (Kitty) Peterson and her husband Pete, sister Justine (Tiney) Mattison and her husband Richard, and brother Michael Sullivan. Anna attended a one room school in Tompkins Corners K-8, 9-12 at Horseheads High School, graduating in 1947. She continued her education at then STC Cortland, graduating in 1951. She married Frederick R. Lawrence in 1951. She taught in Breesport and Pine Valley 1951-1953, and at Lincoln School in Elmira Heights 1953-1957. She returned to Horseheads to teach in the Annex and the new Broad Street School until it closed. She finished her 34 year career at Sing Sing Elementary, the last 28 as a much loved first grade teacher. She loved teaching, especially teaching children to read, and for many years remembered EVERY student she had in classes from the beginning of her career. Many of them visited her over the years to let her know she was their FAVORITE teacher. In her youth she was an avid roller skater, spending countless hours at Joycrest Skating rink. At age 40 she took up tennis, and became quite proficient. With her partner Tess Danaher, she competed in the NYS senior games in doubles, advancing to the National quarter finals in their age bracket. Gardening was a life long passion, and she had a green thumb enhanced by singing and talking to her beautiful gardens around her home. Anna enjoyed camping in a variety of forms from tents to fold down trailering to hard top trailers to camping vans. She and her family traveled across the country twice in trailers, and she loved family camping at Forked Lake in the Adirondacks, especially with the Petersons. Anna enjoyed dancing, and was an active member of the Soaring Polka Association and was a Ballroom dancer as well. In her retirement years, Anna and Fred became avid travelers. They enjoyed several European excursions, trips to Alaska and Hawaii and several cruises. In winter, she enjoyed cross country skiing and playing indoor tennis at the Twin Tier Racquet club and many long trips to Hilton Head Island in the Spring to walk the beach, ride bikes and enjoy the sun. In summers she played tennis, gardened, and spent many hours with her sister Kitty and grandchildren swimming in the Peterson Pool. There were weekly family picnics, lunches and shopping with her sisters and their large extended family. She lived to love, smile, and be with her family. The family will welcome relatives and friends to Sullivan's Funeral Home, 365 E. Franklin St., at Rt. 13, Horseheads, NY on Sunday, March 14, 2021 from 3-5PM. As all are welcomed, we will be adhering to all NYS regulations for social distancing. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary Our Mother Church on Monday, March 15, 2021 at 10AM. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to : Literacy Volunteers of Chemung and Schuyler County, or a charity of your choice. Condolences and words of comfort may be expressed at Anna's Book of Memories at www.sullivansfuneralhome.com.