Julia (Rubicky) Lawler, 91, of New Bedford died Thursday March 31, 2005 at St. Luke's Hospital after a brief illness. She was the widow of former New Bedford Mayor Francis J. Lawler.
Born in Farnumsville, the daughter of the late Anthony and Mary (Skawienska) Rubicky, she lived in New Bedford for most of her life.
She was a communicant of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, and a former communicant of St. Casimir Church.
Mrs. Lawler was an active participant in her husband political campaigns. She was a founder and former President of the Women's Volunteer Unit at the former Union Hospital for many years.
Survivors include two sons, former New Bedford Mayor Brian J. Lawler and his wife Johan of New Bedford, and Robert A. Lawler and his wife Barbara of Phoenix, Arizona; a brother, Edward Rubicky of North Hampton, New Hampshire; a sister, Antonia Fancher of Concord, New Hampshire; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was the sister of the late Emilia Ostler.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday April 5, 2005 at 9AM in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Visitation at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford Tuesday morning 7:30-8:30 AM, prior to the Funeral Mass. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Salvation Army, 619 Purchase St., New Bedford, MA 02740.