Louise Lawson 1948 ~ 2023.
Agatha Louise Lawson, age 75, died peacefully October 12, 2023 with her family by her side in the Souris Hospital, after a long 21 year on and off fight with cancer. She was born February 16, 1948, in Boissevain, MB the second child of 5 born to Abe and Hilda Neufeld. According to Grandpa’s memories, if they had not had the incubator Louise might not have made it through the night. Louise and her family moved Souris in 1956 and she started grade 2 in Souris school and they attended St. Paul’s United Church. Her faith was one thing that never wavered and part of that faith was singing in St. Paul’s choir, which she did for over 55 years. In 1968 while singing in the choir she met dad, Bill Lawson. Louise and Bill were married in August of 1971. In August 1974 Ryan was born and in August 1977, Jana arrived and the million dollar family was complete.
Louise received her hair dressing license in 1968 and continued cutting hair for the majority of her life. Later she incorporated her hair dressing into working at the Corner Closet and Country Cuts. Mom loved her time at Corner Closet, meeting people and helping them find the perfect outfits.
Louise loved watching many different sports. It was very rare that she would miss a curling game on TV, the Blue Jays ball games or a Jets hockey game. She rarely missed the local Cardinals ball games or Elks & Cougars hockey games and enjoyed welcoming the teams over to the house after games for some “socializing”.
Mom also loved shopping. It was her number one hobby. She was thoughtful when she was buying gifts for someone and if you ever received a gift from her, it was beautifully wrapped.
Other than her family, nothing meant more to Louise then the community of Souris. She was a proud member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, St. Paul’s UCW, and enjoyed volunteering at the Avalon Theatre in Souris. She also loved her walking group and coffee crew. She was always baking to welcome new families to the neighbourhood.
Louise was predeceased by her parents Abe and Hilda Neufeld, and brother in law Mac Draper.
Louise is survived by her loving husband of 52 years Bill Lawson, Son Ryan (Allison) grandchildren Gillian, Barrett, Jasper, and Willa and daughter Jana. She is also survived by her siblings, Betty Draper, Bob (Alexis) Neufeld, Jeanne (Don) Lewis, and Ed (Janice) Neufeld and their families, step mother Sadie Neufeld, along with many close relatives and friends.
A funeral celebrating Louise’s life was held at St. Paul’s United Church on Wednesday, October 18th with inurnment held in the Souris-Glenwood Cemetery Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations may be made to the Souris-Glenwood Foundation Box 518 Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0 or to the St. Paul’s United Church Memorial Fund Box 899 Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0 or to a charity of your choice.
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My sincere condolences to Bill and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time.
I am so sorry to learn this news. My deepest sympathy to Bill, Jana, and Ryan and his family. Louise was such a friendly, easy going lady, a pleasure to know.
Willa McMullan
Bill, Ryan, Jana and the Neufeld Families,
So sorry to hear of the passing of Louise. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad and difficult time.
I remember the first day of school in Grade 2 where Louise was the new kid in the class and after school her and Betty coming over to the Kelesnik farm to play.
Treasure your memories.
Sincerely,
Donna and Dean Couvier Calgary, Ab.
Fred and Sharon Kelesnik
Rest now Louise, and know you will be missed by all who knew you. My Condolences to your family and friends. You brought sunshine to so many lives in somany ways. Your Friend mary Ann Carlisle
Our love & sympathy to Bill, Ryan & Jana, as well as all Louise’s siblings. I’ve many fond memories of Louise & am so sorry to hear of her passing.
We are so very sorry to hear that Louise has passed away. Our sincere condolences to Bill, Ryan & Family & Jana. Such a difficult time for all of you. Our thoughts are with you. She will be missed.
Robert, Marilyn Pearce & Family
Louise was such a strong willed person and was kind to everyone. She was there at many social events especially teas, and was great to converse with. A genuine friend to so many.
To Bill and family and all extended family: our deepest sympathy in your loss of Louise. Such a fine, caring lady with whom we always enjoyed a nice chat when meeting. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Ken and Carolyn Rae
Bill, Jana & Ryan, it is with great sadness we send this message of sympathy. Louise will be missed and remembered by so many. Always friendly, a good mother, wife and friend, she was kind to all. You will have so many happy memories and will hear so many nice comments about how she was loved and will be remembered. Our thoughts are with you.
Sympathy to Bill & all family members.
Cherish your memories.
She will be missed by not only family but the community of Souris & the numerous friends they have made over the years.
Our thoughts are with you.
Glenn & Lorna Lawson.
Bill, Ryan, Jana and families.
We want to pass on our sincere condolences on the passing of Louise. We hold many wonderful memories of Louise in our minds and hearts. Louise always had a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eyes whenever we were together. She lives on in the memories and hearts of all who knew her.
Peace be with you all.
Jim and Heather Dickson
Condolences Bill and families. So sorry to hear Louise will be missed
Bill, Ryan and Jana,
We just wanted to send our condolences to your whole family. Our thoughts are with you.
Bill and family. Our thoughts are with you. Louise will be missed and remembered as a wonderful soul.
Sandi & Trevor
Bill and Family, also to the Neufeld Family, please accept my deepest condolences over the passing of Louise. Always a friendly smile whenever I saw her when I came home to Souris to visit. She will be missed❤️
Carolynne Russell(née Lovelace)
Bill and Family, we are so sorry to hear of Louises passing. Our thoughts are with you.
Our most sincere sympathy to all of Louise’s family. Louise was a lovely lady with a great sense of humour. What a privilege to get to know Louise and Bill (Doc) while Derek played hockey in Souris! May you find peace in your many happy memories through out this most difficult time! Thoughts & prayers!
God Bless,
Dave & Merrilee Kempthorne
& family
My deepest sympathies on the passing of Louise
My sincere condolences to the Family. Louise was such a vibrant lady and will truly be missed.
Rest in peace, Louise. My condolences to the Lawson and Neufeld families.
Irene Kohut Pollard
Dear Bill, Ryan and Jana,
I am very sorry to hear this news. Louise’s kindness and good-natured personality will be how I remember her. May she rest in peace.
Shannon Griffin
Sincere condolences Bill, Ryan, and Jana. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. May beautiful memories of Louise help you through this difficult time.
April Popple
Our thoughts are with you as you mourn Louise’s passing. She was such a kind woman who always had time for a good visit. May the support of others help you through the difficult days ahead.
My Deepest condolences to Bill, Ryan and Family, Jana.
Louise a Beautiful friendly woman, always said hi, brought me jelly and biscuits for coffee break while painting. Rest in Peace Louise.
Our deepest condolences. Louise was alway friendly with a unique little laugh. She was courageous, she fought and survived cancer for many years keeping her loved ones close for as long as possible
We are so sorry to hear of Louise passing. Your all in our thoughts and prayers. Special memories will help you through the sad times.
Hugs,
Sandra and Wayne Moyer
Bill, Ryan family and Jana, so sorry to hear about Louise. You’ll miss her tremendously as will everyone who knew her. With our deepest and most sincere sympathy.
Greg and Marion Jasper
Hartney, Manitoba
I am thinking of you all – Bill, Ryan and family, Jana, and Louise’s four siblings. Louise will be so missed, not only by her family, but also by her church and the Souris community. I remember the “new kid in Grade 2” and we were friends from that time through school years. I particularly remember sleep-overs, and a Grade 10 escapade. I will miss our more recent exchanges regarding our growing grandchildren. (She was so very proud of her 4 grandchildren.)
I felt Louise’s courage and faith when I asked her how she felt over the years. My sympathies to the Lawson families and all Souris as we grieve our loss.
My sincerest condolences to you Bill, Jana, Ryan, and all Louise’s family and friends. May you treasure the memories, and remember the love and light she shared with you all. Take care of each other during this difficult time. My prayers are with you, may she rest in peace. With love, Christina Zaenker (Ailsa Lawson’s daughter).
So sorry for your loss Bill, Ryan, Jana and families. Many fond memories of Louise during our time living in Souris.
Thinking of you all during this difficult time..she was a wonderful lady who will be missed by many. Hold your memories close..hugs to all.
Brooke, Tiki, Mya & Matteo
My deepest condolences Bill,Ryan and Jana. She was a kind and lovely lady. May your memories bring you peace
Marni and I were so sorry to hear about Louise. I have many good memories of times spent with you both.
My condolences on the loss of Louise, wife, mother, friend and strong community member. She will be missed. Thinking of all your families at this time.
To Bill and family,
I am so sorry for your immeasurable loss. Although many years have passed since I saw Louise, a picture of her smiling face easily comes to mind. I pray you will be wrapped in God’s loving arms. Louise will be remembered by every person her heart touched.
God Bless you,
Cindy Matheson
Thinking of you, Bill, and all your family at this time. Deepest sympathy and condolences. Michael Dartnell and Martin Chochinov
So sorry to hear of Louise’s passing, my sincere condolences to Bill, Jana, Ryan and family. Always enjoyed my visits with Louise, treasure the memories.
Norma Moffatt purdy.
Our sincerest condolences to the Lawson and Neufeld Families. Louise was a lovely person who gave so much of herself. She will be missed by everyone she touched. Rest in peace Louise, your journey is now in the hands of your maker. Sheila Hollyoake and Wayne Williams
Bill, Jana, Ryan and family
So sad to hear of Louise’s passing. She and Bill were good caring friends to our parents for many years. She would always ask how Glen and his family and me were doing.
You and your family will have many cherished memories to hold close to your heart!
Glen and Gail Williamson
Our deepest sympathies to Bill , Ryan, Janna and families! Louise was very kind caring person who will be missed by all !
Our sincere sympathy to Bill and family. Louise was a dear friend. Our prayers are with you.
Bill , my thoughts are with you , Ryan and
Jana . Louise will be missed . She was always so gracious , kind and friendly with a quiet dignity . Wish I was closer so I could give you a big hug .
Take care . Linda ( Moose Jaw )
Our sincere condolences to you all
Louise will be sadly missed by many
Keven, Terralee & Family
Bill, Ryan Jana and family
Our thoughts are prayers are with you.
Such a beautiful lady, inside and out. So many memories of her welcoming smile and greetings. Louise will be missed by so many of her friends and family.
Rest in peace Louise
Bill, Helen Hall
We are sorry to hear of Louise passing. Are thoughts and prayers are with you all. Gary Karen Shelly
Sending our condolences and thinking about you Bill and your whole family. She was such a good friend. Louise will be missed by family, friends and the community will not be the same without her. She was such a kind and caring person. We have such good memories of her which we will cherish. She is at peace now which is of some comfort. Unfortunately we will not be able to attend the funeral but you will all be in our thoughts and prayers.
Phyllis, Ellen and Bill
Although we have not seen Bill and Louise in many years, it was such a shock to hear of Louise’s passing!
We have many warm memories of your visits to Ontario.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill, Ryan and Jana and families through these difficult days.
Our sincere condolences to both Bill and his family as well as Louise’s brothers and sisters. She was a big part of the Souris community and will be missed.
Sincerest condolences, Bill, Ryan and Jana. I always enjoyed my visits with Louise whenever we met up with each other at so many arts-related events over the past years. I will miss those friendly chats.
Bill, we are thinking of you and your family during this very difficult time. I remember such fun times when our cousins from Souris came to visit us on the farm as we were growing up. May wonderful memories provide peace and courage .
Edie & John Frankovich
Denver, North Carolina
Our sincere sympathy to the Lawson and Neufeld families. May warm and loving memories bring peace during this difficult time.
Condolences to Bill Ryan Jana and families as well as Ed and Jan Neufeld and families and the rest of the Neufeld families on the passing of Louise. She will be missed.
Doug & Charlene Hookyoake
Bill, Ryan, Jana and family,
Our sincere sympathy to all of you at this sad time. Louise was a very special lady. Cherish those memories……..
Colin & Pat McKay
Such a lovely, classy lady who always would have a smile and a kind “hello”. You will all miss her so much. Know that she’s watching over you all and guiding you along life’s path.
The Turner family
Dear Uncle Bill, Jana, Ryan, and family,
Our hearts go out to you during this difficult time. Please know that you are in our thoughts, and we offer our most heartfelt condolences. Aunt Louise will be remembered fondly, and her presence will be greatly missed by many. She always had a great story to tell and we enjoyed lovely conversations catching up on friends and family.
With love and sympathy,
The Cunningham Family
Our sincere condolences to Bill, Jana, Ryan and family. Louise was a very community minded person, who will be missed by many. Treasure all your wonderful memories!
Our sympathy to you Bill, Ryan and Jana and families and also to Betty and family. Louise will be missed and remembered fondly by many! She loved life and her smile made that very evident! Memories were made to warm your hearts forever!
Bill, Jana, Ryan & family
We were so very sorry to hear of Louise’s passing. Our sincere condolences, our thoughts & prayers are with you all at this very difficult time.
JoAnn & Bill Robinson
Dear Doc, Jana, Ryan and all your family,
I am so sad for the loss of Louise.
A loss for your family, for the community, for all who know her.
Sending my love,
Pam Whitfield
Our sincere condolences to the families of Louise she was a lovely lady, always a smile on, and always time for cheery conversations. She will be missed. Sincerely Traci & Clive
Condolences to Bill and family. Louise will be missed by all. Thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Bill, I will always be that little flower girl looking up at a beautiful bride (and handsome groom). I was so sad to hear about Louise. Although we weren’t able to keep in touch physically, I think about both of you very often. Sending love and condolences to your whole family. Alynn xoxo
Another angel has gone to heaven. Sylvia will be welcoming her dear friend with open arms.
Bill, Ryan and Jana
My thoughts and prays are with you during this difficult time. My condolences.
Lisa Bullion(Robinson)
Bill, Ryan and Jana. So very sorry to hear of your loss. Louise will be greatly missed.
Denise Richardson
Our sincere condolences to Bill, Ryan, Jana & families on Louise’s passing. Our thoughts are with you all.
Moray, Arlie & Dayna Jamieson
Our deepest sympathy to you Bill, Ryan, Jana and families. May you get through this difficult time, through prayers and the comfort of your friends. We will always remember Louise with great fondness.
Our deepest condolences to the Lawson family thinking of you all at this sad time ,Louise was a great person and while be missed..
Our hearts go out to your family, Louise. The world was a better place with you in it. You’ll be missed so much by family, friends and community. Please know, Bill, Ryan and family, and Jana that we are thinking of you with deep caring
Walter and Gloria Hall
Jana and Family
I am so very sorry you have lost someone that is such a huge part of your life. Find strength in each other. Thinking of you in all sincerity.
Theresa and Claude
Our sincere condolences to Bill & Family. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all at this very difficult time.
To Bill and family
So sorry to hear of your loss, may your memories help you through this time of grief. I remember her as a babysitter when I was young and as a friend .
Such a loss to the family and the community of Souris. Louise was always so good to the people surrounding her. She will certainly be missed. Sending support and sympathy to Louise’s family.
Always enjoyed a friendly chat with Bill and Louise when visiting Souris.
Deepet condolences Bill and family.
Blessings to Louise and Bill. You did so much for Souris. Thank you for fond memories.