Lorna Clare Richardson

The English poet John Donne wrote “and into that gate they shall enter and in the house they shall dwell where there shall be no cloud, nor sun, no darkness nor dazzling, but on equal light, no noise nor silence, but one equal music, no foes or friends, but an equal communion, no ends or beginnings, but one equal eternity”. I believe that our dear Lorna Clare Richardson entered through that gate on June 8, 2010 at the Sun City Hospice House in Ruskin, Florida.

She was the first child born to Olga Thompson and John Augustus Richardson in Balaclara, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. She spent her early years with her great grand mother Elizabeth Maitland and attended the Roses Valley Primary School where she excelled in her studies and gave outstanding performances in singing and speech, in school and as well as Sunday School and church choirs. She participated in various clubs, particularly the Jamaica Welfare and 4H Clubs. Subsequently, she went to live with her mother in Kingston and attended St. Georges and Excelsior High School.

In October of 1962 she migrated to the USA and before long under went training and obtained the LPN certificate. She also did several computer courses. As a nurse, she worked in several hospitals and later resorted to private nursing. A more caring and compassionate nurse was hard to find. She later met and married Vincent Lawrence and the union produced a handsome son – Sean Lawrence. She believed in the value of having a good education and as a result ensured that her son attended the best schools.

Her later years were plagued by ill health. But she was a fighter and fought back with a strong will to live. Her alert mental faculties, her vigor and above all her faith in God kept her going. Lorna will always be remembered for her cheerfulness. You were always greeted with a smile in spite of whatever difficulty she faced. She will also be thought of for her kindness to family and friends and her willingness to help when called upon.

Her memory will be cherished by her son Sean, daughter-in-law Dawn, grand children Michael, Maliq, and TeAhna, sisters Dodsie, Janet, LaFayette, Patricia, Faye, Violet, Ann, and Michele, brothers Laurie, John Jr, Wayne, Anthony, and Brett and numerous cousins and friends.

May her soul rest in peace and light perpetually shine upon her.

Arrangements under the direction of Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, Brandon, FL.