PAXTON-Virginia M. (Finneran) Lawler, 87, of Paxton, died Wednesday, June 23rd in The Meadows of Leicester. Her husband of 60 years, William L. Lawler, died in 2001. She leaves a son, William P. Lawler of Paxton; two daughters, Susan M. Zemaitis and her husband Thomas of Leicester and Maria V. Lawler-McDonnell and her husband Alan of Worcester; a brother, Walter Finneran of Winchester; eight grandchildren; four great grandchildren; nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her sister, Dolores Thorman.
She was born in Worcester, the daughter of Walter and Margaret (Bulger) Finneran and graduated from the former High School of Commerce. An antique dealer, Mrs. Lawler owned and operated Black Hill Antiques in Paxton. She was a member of St. Columba Parish for 46 years. She was a folk artist and taught theorum painting and art lessons in New York and was published in antique magazines. She was the author of “Theorum Painting Instruction Manual.”
The funeral is Saturday, June 26th, with a Mass at 10:00 A.M. in St. Columba Church, 18 Richards Avenue. Burial will be in Mooreland Cemetery. There are no calling hours. O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, Worcester, is directing arrangements.