Thursday, December 11th, 2014
St. Marys volunteer leaves legacy
By Jared Mauch
ST. MARYS - Doris Lawler's generosity and dedication will be missed, according to numerous friends and relatives in the area.
The 93-year-old St. Marys woman died Monday.
Residents told the newspaper about the impact Law-ler had made through her work with the public library and Rotary Club.
"She was a hard worker and had her hand in many projects. Doris was not afraid of getting things done and would even donate her money to help projects along," St. Marys library director Sue Pittman said.
"She was a great mentor to me," said Pittman, who had known Lawler since 1986.
Lawler was a 52-year member of the St. Marys library board, she said. Even after retiring in 2013, she continued as board member emeritus, which allowed her to share her opinions at board meetings, Pittman said.
Lawler helped map the library's future, she added. While serving on the board, the library underwent construction of a new building in 1981 and an expansion in 2002.
The library also incorporated the Internet and an online catalog system while she was a board member, Pittman explained.
"She wanted to make sure there was a history room in the expansion. She also donated some of the furnishings in the room as well," Pittman said.
She said Lawler was passionate about recognizing achievements.
"Doris liked to celebrate accomplishments. Whether it was a party at someone's house or at the board meetings, she thought people deserved recognition and credit for what they do," she said.
Lawler also was a member of the library's Shakespeare Club since 1947 and supported giving books to the library in memory of other club members.
She was a member of the St. Marys Rotary Club since April 1997. Lawler was a warm and passionate person, club president Randy Elsass said.
"Doris was a big supporter of new programs that the Rotary Club wanted to start," he said.
Lawler also was involved with the family's floral shop, Lawler's Flowers Gifts and Greenhouse, on East Spring Street.
Her obituary can be found in today's issue.
