Merilee Lawrence

Merilee Lawrence(nee Gromacki), 83, passed away peacefully at her home in Port St. Lucie Florida on July 17, 2026. Born on September 9, 1942, she lived a vibrant life filled with love, adventure, and dedication to her family and passions.

Merilee’s early education was at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Grade School and the Academy of Notre Dame in Belleville, Illinois, where she graduated in 1960.Merilee attended St. Louis University for one year. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Math and Science from the University of New Mexico in 1964. Her career began at McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis before she embarked on a remarkable 25-year tenure with IBM, retiring as an international project manager.

Merilee's love for dance began at her parents’ Mary Louise Dance Studio, where she taught alongside her mother and sisters while raising her young children. Merilee performed at the Muny Opera of St. Louis both in the children's and adult chorus. She was also a dancer in the St. Louis Civic Opera. She was in the chorus in the traveling Broadway production of "The Music Man" after her one semester of college at St. Louis University. Her passion for the arts extended throughout her life. After retirement she participated as an actress, dancer, choreographer, and director at the Barn Theater in Stuart, Florida. She cherished any opportunity to attend a symphony, play, musical, or opera

Merilee was an avid golfer and traveler. She and her husband were members of the St. James Golf Club in Port St. Lucie for many years. She and her husband traveled extensively.

Merilee was a devoted wife to her husband, David Lawrence; a loving mother to Becky Kane (EJ), David Lawrence, and Jamie Gall (Chris); and a proud grandmother to Sam Kane, Kaiden Gall, McKenzie Bracken (Brayden), Olivia Lawrence, and Jake Lawrence. She delighted in being a great-grandmother to Remi Bracken. She is also survived by her sisters Pat Easton (Cliff), Gigi Coyne (Greg), Sharon Patterson (Mike), and Jean Gromacki, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Mary Louise and Edward Gromacki.

A private family Celebration of Life will be held on August 22, 2026, in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Merilee’s memory will live on through the love she shared with her family and her enduring contributions to the arts. May her legacy bring comfort to all who knew her.