Olive H. Lawrence, 94, Was Active as Volunteer

Olive H. Lawrence of Needham died on Friday, May 10, at North Hill Skilled Nursing Facility. She was 94.

Born in Elizabeth, N.J., she was the daughter of Oliver and Ella Houston. She was a Needham resident for 57 years and a summer resident of Oak Bluffs since 1926.

Mrs. Lawrence attended public schools in Elizabeth and worked in the Union County, N.J., court system. She was the wife of Dr. Knowles B. Lawrence, who died shortly after her on Friday, May 10.

Mrs. Lawrence was active all her life as a community volunteer with many organizations, including the Visiting Nurse Association, Norfolk County Tuberculosis Association, the American Cancer Society, Needham Adult and Continuing Education, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and the Glover Hospital Aid Association. An avid reader, she belonged to Great Books and the Brandeis Women book clubs.

She is survived by her children, Judge Paul Lawrence and his wife, Jane, of Francetown, N.H.; Evelyne Lawrence of Louisville, Ky., and Susan Lawrence of Albany, N.Y.; her grandchildren, Damara Jenkins, Ira and Michael Van Irvin and Jessica and Duncan Lawrence; three great-grandchildren, and her nephew, Michael Houston.

She was the sister of the late Lewis Houston.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, at the Carter Memorial Methodist Church in Needham Heights. A gathering of friends and family will follow the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Needham Public Library, Permanent Donations Fund, 1139 Highland avenue Needham, MA 02494.