Kathleen Lawyer

After this introduction, those who loved her most knew her simply as Kathy—a devoted, loving, nature-filled presence whose life was rooted in the people she cherished. A wife, mother, and grandmother foremost, Kathy carried her care for others into every part of her world, offering warmth that made the family feel steady and everyday moments feel meaningful.

Kathy met her husband when they were three years old. They rode bikes together, became very close friends, and shared a bond that began early and ran deep. Time drew them apart, and they went their separate ways, but after several years they reconnected—and were inseparable ever since. She shared eight years of marriage with her husband, Michael Lawyer, and their story remained one of the quiet, enduring kind: friendship at the beginning, love at the center, and togetherness that never let go.

She also spent some time in hospitality, serving her community in a way that suited her naturally—through attentiveness, kindness, and the simple gift of making people feel welcome.

Kathy loved nature and birds, finding peace in watching birds and hiking. Those moments outdoors reflected who she was: gentle, observant, and grateful for the beauty that often goes unnoticed unless someone takes the time to truly see it.

Thankful for her life and continuing in her memory are her husband, her sons: Lawrence Shappell and his husband Jeffrey Serio and Christopher Shappell and his wife Jenny McCambridge, five grandchildren; Tyler McCambridge and his wife Agnes, Christopher Shappell, Damien Shappell, Joseph Shappell, and Ally Russell, and two great grandchildren; Tyler McCambridge Jr., and Josiah McCambridge.

Cotten Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family and friends of Kathleen Lawyer.