Mary Lawrick

Mary “Monya” Lawrick, 83, of St. Joseph, passed away, Friday, November 22, 2013 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Eternal will be held 11:30 A.M. Tuesday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Rev. Richard Sing officiating. Burial will follow at Crystal Springs Cemetery in Benton Harbor. Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Twelve Corners Community Church Ladies Circle, St. Joseph-Lincoln Senior Center in St. Joseph or North Berrien Senior Center in Coloma. Those wishing to sign Mary’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Mary was born June 10, 1930 in Benton Harbor. She graduated from Benton Harbor High School, Class of 1948. On February 17, 1951 she married Richard W. Lawrick in Benton Harbor. Mary’s main focus was caring for her home and family but she was employed for many years at Grootendorst Nursery which became AMG Growers & Heritage Orchards, both in Benton Harbor. Mary was a member of Twelve Corners Community Church & the Swim Buddies at the YMCA. She was an avid reader and flower gardener, a professional garage sale attendee, an active participant in her son’s Little League, and was always looking for an excuse to dine out. She was known to many as the “Cake Lady” for the many birthday cakes that she made for her family and friends. Mary was a loving & caring person who was always putting others needs before her own. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Mary is survived by her three sons-Rick Lawrick of St. Joseph, Gregory (Sue) Lawrick of Apex, NC, Michael (Pam) Lawrick of Berrien Springs; two grandsons-Nicholas & Stephen Lawrick; several nieces & nephews including special niece Mary Lou Braley of St. Joseph; and her surrogate sisters Joyce (Zan) Ballard & Dorothy Vaught, both of Benton Harbor. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Nina Schemenauer, and her husband Richard on June 20, 2002.