Marilyn Carnegie Lawrence

Marilyn Carnegie Lawrence, 89, passed away on January 22, 2026. Marilyn was born on August 14, 1936, to Harry and Mable (Bowerman) Carnegie in Niagara Falls, NY. When she was 12 years old, the family moved to Lockport, NY and she later graduated from Lockport High School. After a year at the University of Michigan, Marilyn transferred to Geneseo State Teachers College (now SUNY Geneseo) and earned a dual degree in elementary education and speech pathology. She received her master’s degree in 1985 from DePauw University.

While working in Rochester, NY she met William A. Lawrence on a blind date, and they married on July 2, 1961. While living in NY and NJ, they welcomed their children Peter, Molly, Eric and Curtis. Vacationing in Long Lake, NY in the Adirondacks was a family tradition started when Marilyn and Bill honeymooned there.

In 1979, Bill was transferred to IBM in his hometown of Greencastle, and he and Marilyn built a home on Albin Pond. Marilyn taught 4th and 5th grades at Tzouanakis Elementary School for many years and retired in 1998. In 2006, they built a home on Elliott Street. Marilyn loved to travel and she and Bill took many trips prior to his passing in 2017. Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Hawaii, Ireland and Scotland were favorite destinations.

Marilyn was a long-time member of Greencastle Presbyterian Church and served on several committees. She was also involved with P.E.O. and Retired Teachers Association and volunteered at the Putnam County Museum.

Marilyn is survived by her sons Peter (Sharon Ripkin) of Atlantic Highlands, NJ; Eric of Apache Junction, AZ; Curtis (Lara) of Greencastle as well as her daughter Molly (Chris) Jaeger of Carmel. Her grandchildren are Jenny (Jon) Chapman of Whitestown, Liesel Jaeger (Josh Butcher) of Westfield and Maddie and Reid Lawrence of Greencastle. Marilyn became a great-grandmother in April with the arrival of Henry Hayes Chapman of Whitestown. Other survivors are her brother and sister-in-law Don and Jinny Carnegie and her nieces Krista Carnegie and Kathy Bowers and their families all of Lockport, NY.

The family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to the staff at Mill Pond Health Campus for the excellent care they provided for Marilyn since January 2022. Many thanks also to Affinity Hospice during Marilyn’s final days.

Visitation for Marilyn will be held on THURSDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2026, at Bittles and Hurt Funeral Home at 602 E. Washington St. in Greencastle from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM followed by a service.

The family would appreciate donations to: Putnam County Retired Teachers Scholarship Fund, Terri McKee, PCRTA Treasurer, 1298 N. CR 125 W., Greencastle, IN 46135 or Putnam County Museum, 1105 N. Jackson St., Greencastle, IN 46135.

Memories may be shared with the family at www.BittlesandHurt.com.