Patricia A. Lawless

Patricia Ann Lawless, a devoted leader in her family, community and church, passed away Friday, April 22nd after living 93 of the best years she could have ever imagined. Born in Yonkers, New York and raised in The Bronx, Pat was the youngest of four children, which is likely where she developed her world famous calm demeanor. Soon after she earned her degree from The College of New Rochelle, she met and fell in love with Michael Lawless. The two wed three years later in 1952. In 1957, Pat moved from her lifelong home to Middletown, NJ with Michael and their (then) four children where she quickly became an integral member of the Monmouth County community. Pat stayed at home and worked as a substitute teacher in local school districts while her children were young before joining the Monmouth County Parks Department in 1974. Though she retired in 1989, she never ceased to make the world around her a more beautiful place. Whether in Middletown, or after she moved with Michael to Barnegat in 1998, the Church was always close to Patricia’s heart. She volunteered at St. Mary’s New Monmouth extensively where she helped raise money by running the car raffles for 10 years. In Barnegat, she dedicated time to support the St. VIncent DePaul Society at St. Mary’s Church. After her husband Michael passed in 2001, Pat reconnected with an old friend, Gene Van Cleve, with whom she enjoyed countless meals, family gatherings and holidays. The two shared many great moments together, supporting each other late in life until Patricia passed away on Friday. They could be found together every Sunday at St. Mary’s Church followed by breakfast at the Barnegat Diner. In the Heritage Bay community, Pat once again became very involved, winning a 9-ball billiards championship and running the local bridge game for many years. If you played bridge in Heritage Bay between the years of 1998 and 2022, you likely got your butt beat by Pat at some point. 

Patricia is survived by her children and their spouses Cathy and Bill Bischoff, Jean, Peter and Barbara Lawless, Timothy and Janice Lawless and MaryJane Lawless; grandchildren Teresa,
Mary, Michael, Jack, Eric, Ann, Kevin, Amanda, Steven, Jude and Christopher; great grandchildren Colin, Owen, Sienna, Riley and Noah; and her best friend and companion until the end, Gene Van Cleve. She will be joining in heaven her Husband, Michael; Children, Michael and John, siblings George, Richard, William and her dog, Pepper.

A wake will be held on Friday, April 29th at Barnegat Funeral Home, 841 W. Bay Ave., Barnegat from 4-7 p.m. The funeral service will take place Saturday, April 30th 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Barnegat followed by her burial at Mt. Olive Cemetery in Middletown. (www.BarnegatFH.com) 

InI lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation in Patricia’s name to St. Vincent DePaul foundation at St Mary’s Parish.

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