Marie Therese Lawrence

Marie was a student at Saint Patrick Catholic School in Nashville, TN., graduated from Saint Bernard Academy then began Saint Thomas School of Nursing at the age of seventeen. She started her nursing career as a Registered Nurse at the age of nineteen. Marie worked at Saint Thomas Hospital West for 50 years serving in several roles including staff nurse, the first IV therapist in the hospital who also trained the Vanderbilt physician-residents in IV therapy, Head Nurse of the Emergency Room, and the night nursing supervisor for the last 35 years of her career. She was highly respected by her nursing peers, administrators, and doctors. She is often described by fellow nurses as a legend and an icon in nursing professionalism. Nursing was a vocation for Marie, and she served her patients with the love, patience, and charity that the Lord expected from her. She used her nursing skills to care for the Catholic community at large, which was evidenced by the persistent phone calls to her home with friends asking for advice and physician referrals. These skills were also put to use in caring for her children and grandchildren as well as her parents whom she cared for in their home until their deaths.

Marie was preceded in death by her husband, Tony Lawrence. Marie and Tony were blessed with seven children whom she is survived by: Cathie Lawrence Rogers (Ward), Tony Lawrence (Theresa), Bridget Lawrence Frakes, Tim Lawrence, Marie Lawrence Duff (Dana), John Lawrence (Kim), and Mark Lawrence. From the seven children, she has 20 grandchildren (predeceased by Thomas Lawrence) and 19 great- grandchildren with 2 more expected in 2026! Marie considered her children to be her greatest legacy. She also has many nieces, nephews, and cousins whom she loved well throughout her life. Her children were all athletes, and she never missed a sporting event. She enjoyed cheering her children and grandchildren on in football, baseball, basketball, softball, soccer, wrestling, lacrosse, cheerleading, and competitive dance. Many referees in Nashville knew her by name and appreciated her “expert” feedback on the ways they were or weren’t doing their jobs!

Marie was an active member at Holy Rosary Catholic Church her entire life. She taught religious education to second graders in preparation for their First Confession and First Holy Communion for decades. She taught these classes until the age of 88 years old and many of her students stayed in touch with her, which brought her great joy in her retirement. Her motto was “you are here to save your soul and as many others along the way as you can!” She was a good and faithful servant in this regard and made Catholic education a priority in the lives of her own children. She worked hard and sacrificed to send her children to Holy Rosary Academy, Father Ryan High School, and Saint Bernard Academy. She bestowed the greatest gift of faith and a deep love for Jesus upon her children and grandchildren. Marie enjoyed an active membership in the Nashville Colonna Club which is described as a literary club for “feisty women…gathered together to share books, faith, and friendship” all of which were of great interest and value to her. We are certain Marie will make just as much of an impact in Heaven as she did here on earth!

Funeral Mass will take place on October 9, at 12pm, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. The Rosary will be prayed at 10:30 am followed by visitation with the family until the Mass begins. All are welcome to attend. Flowers may be sent directly to Holy Rosary Catholic Church.

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