MABEL CLAIRE LAWES (07/11/1925-12/12/2020)
Mabel Claire Lawes passed peacefully on December 12, 2020 in the presence of the compassionate staff at Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. At the rich age of 95, she succumbed to Covid-19 and the demands of a full life.
On July 11, 1925 in Montclair, New Jersey, Mabel “Nana” McCaddin and Leslie “Pop” Coffman were doubly blessed with Mabel Claire just minutes ahead of her sister, Marion. The twins were practically inseparable until Marion – known to all as “Kiki” – passed in 2010. A longtime resident of Montclair, Mabel graduated from Lacordaire Academy and then contributed to the war effort building Bakelite circuit boards for torpedoes. Her husband, Ralph C. Driscoll (deceased), served in the Army, and her cherished brother, John L. Coffman (Lana) (deceased) rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel in the Marine Corps.
While raising her three beloved children, David Ralph Driscoll (Susan), Philip Driscoll (Ellen) and Cynthia Diane Driscoll (Anthony), Mabel served as office manager and assistant to Dr. Patrick A. Innarella, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. “Aunt Mabs” was a second mother to the children of Marion and Robert E. Dwyer (deceased), a.k.a., the “Kiki Kids” – Leslie Weeks (Mike – deceased), Rachel Dwyer, Sharon Nickerson (Glenn), Robert (deceased) Dwyer (Lorene), Linda Eveleth (George) and Steven Dwyer (Cindy); and adored by her niece, Carolynn Coffman (Doni).
She embraced the joyful turmoil of keeping the family “neat and tidy” and on track, attending dance lessons and football games, and gathering with Nana, Kiki and friends to the tunes of Judy, Dino and Frank. She was also “Mrs. Dec” to many, and provided “oversight” to innumerable impromptu card games and parties. But, come Sunday, she was all business as she tackled the challenge of the NY Times Crossword Puzzle!
In retirement, Mabel and her husband, Philip Nelson Lawes (deceased), enjoyed many years of sunshine and shelling on the beaches in Hutchinson Island and Vero Beach, Florida. More recently, Mabel resided on Saint Simons Island, Georgia, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
At 95, Mabel is predeceased by many, including her dear cousin, Frederic C. Ritger. Frederic’s brother, Paul, and sister, Marilyn, now assume the mantle for Mabel’s generation.
Mabel was grandmother to Robert Vonah (Ashley); Brian (Ariene), Kevin (Maggie), and Patrick (Chelsea) Driscoll; and Lindsay Manley (Erik). She was great grandmother to Madeline and Cameron Vonah; Jaxan, Kenzie and Connor Driscoll; and Beckett and Scarlett Manley. She also leaves behind the Lawes clan – Phil, Holly, Debbie, Geoff and Gordon; and the folks at Hampton Fields – especially Lisa McAndrews, and Harbour Senior Living of South Hills Memory Care.
A memorial will be held to celebrate Mabel’s life when circumstances permit. Mabel’s battle with dementia, and our future, inspired donations to be directed to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. Donations can be made through the link below or by mail to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, 34 Washington Street, Suite 310, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481.