Judith Ann Lawton

Judith “Judie” Lawton, born July 27, 1939, in Providence, Rhode Island, passed away leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and grace. She was the beloved daughter of the late Walfred M. and Elizabeth C. Nyman of Narragansett, Rhode Island, and Palm Beach, Florida.

Judie lived a life defined by compassion, positivity, and class. Raised with a deep appreciation for family, she carried those values throughout her life alongside her brothers, Robert C. Nyman of Arizona and Kenneth J. Nyman of Cumberland, Rhode Island, and in cherished memory of her late sister, Beverly J. Kiepler of Rehoboth, Massachusetts.

Her devotion to family was further enriched through her loving marriage to the late Thomas H. Lawton. Together, Tom and Judie shared a marriage filled with laughter, passion, and spontaneity, building a home grounded in love and joy.

Judie was a devoted and nurturing mother to her eight children: Marsha E. Daras of Coventry, Rhode Island; Nancy Lawton Cronin of Locust Grove, Virginia; Jennifer S. Dixon of North Kingstown, Rhode Island; JoAnna J. Hunt of Bumpass, Virginia; Suzanne M. Lawton of Cranston, Rhode Island; Stephen H. Lawton of Coventry, Rhode Island; David T. Lawton of Barnstable, Massachusetts; and T. Michael Lawton of Greenville, Rhode Island.

Her generous spirit extended beyond her immediate family. For eight years, Judie opened her home as a foster parent through the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth & Families, offering care, stability, and love to children in need. She was also a proud member of “Because We Care,” an organization supporting families with more than five children.

Known affectionately as “Grams,” Judie’s love multiplied across generations. She was a devoted grandmother to 24 grandchildren and a proud great-grandmother to 8 great-grandchildren, each of whom she adored deeply. Judie believed strongly in the value of hard work and community involvement. Her professional career included roles as a Human Resources Manager at Cookson Plastic Molding in Georgia and as an Administrative Assistant at Hoechst Celanese, Nyman Manufacturing Company, and KMC, Inc., in Rhode Island.

Her commitment to her community was equally remarkable. Judie served for sixteen years as both Secretary and President of the Coventry PTA. She was a member of the North Fort Myers, Florida Elks Lodge #2742, the Pine Lakes Women’s Club, and AARP. She also volunteered at the North Fort Myers Academy of the Arts, where she gave her time and care generously. Even in the face of personal tragedy, Judie continued to support others. Following a family loss, she became an active member of the Rhode Island SIDS Chapter beginning August 1, 1993, helping raise awareness and provide comfort to others. In 1977, she broke barriers by becoming the first female pack leader in the Rhode Island chapter of the Boy Scouts of America, demonstrating her strength and dedication to her children and community.

Despite her many commitments, Judie made everyone feel remembered and valued. She had an extraordinary gift for celebrating others, never forgetting a birthday or anniversary, and always showing up for life’s milestones, whether it be graduations, sporting events, or weddings. She was always just a phone call, text, or message away, offering warmth, encouragement, and love.

Judie will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched with her kindness, strength, and unwavering devotion.

As a lifelong animal lover, especially devoted to dogs, the family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Rhode Island SPCA ([email protected] or 401-383-1900) in her honor.

A celebration of life in her honor is scheduled for family and close friends on July 24, 2026.