September 3, 2011  

LOWVILLE, N.Y.  —  Genevieve Elizabeth Smithling Lawrence, 86, of Lowville, was called home to the Lord on Tuesday, Aug. 23.  Formerly of Brookside Senior Living Community, she and her husband had been living in Fort Collins, Colo., since January 2009. 

Gen was born at Idle Ease, outside of Croghan, N.Y., on Sept. 22, 1924, the daughter of Leo Walter and Mary Elizabeth Betting Smithling. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Kenneth Joseph Smithling. Their family lived briefly on Easton Street in Lowville, but she spent most of her youth and married life at 5352 Waters Terrace.   

On July 21, 1956, Genevieve E. Smithling married Albert Charles Garvin Lawrence. They have a daughter, Jennifer Lynn Kenyon.  Jennifer and her husband, Allen, have three children, Grace (11), Anna (9) and John (6). They reside at 624 Sycamore Street, Fort Collins, CO, 80521. Condolences for both Al and Jennifer may be sent to Jennifer’s address. 

A 1942 graduate of Lowville Academy and Central School, Gen went on to receive her B.A. in English in 1946 at the NYS College for Teachers, now the University at Albany, SUNY. She earned her M.A. in Education from St. Lawrence University in 1950. Gen taught high school English briefly in Schenectady and Carthage before returning to Lowville to teach and care for her mother. She taught primarily 10th grade English at LACS from 1952 to 1979.  

Upon retiring, she worked part-time for Assemblyman Robert Nortz and Congressman David Martin and volunteered for Literacy Volunteers of America and the First Presbyterian Church, where she and her husband were members all of their married lives and served faithfully in every capacity, from elder to cookie baker. 

At LACS, Gen was advisor for the National Honor Society from 1953 to the late 1960s. She directed the senior play for three years, from 1956-8.  She was senior class advisor for the classes of 1956 and 1962.  She became English Department Chair in 1968. Mrs. Lawrence will be remembered by her students for her high standards and her rhythmic rapping on the desk while retelling Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Telltale Heart.” Even in her retirement she continued to be an inspiration and a resource to former students, and to her students’ students and children. Gen will be remembered by friends and neighbors for a much-sought-after smile and listening ear. 

A memorial service for was held Tuesday, Aug. 30, at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Collins, Colo.   

A memorial service will also be held this fall at the First Presbyterian Church of Lowville. A graveside service will follow at Lowville Rural Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 7707 State Street, Lowville, NY 13367 or to the National Honor Society at LACS, 7668 State Street, Lowville, NY 13367. 

Arrangements are with Iseneker Funeral Home, Inc., Lowville.  

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.isenekerfuneralhome.com.







Information provided by Iseneker Funeral Home of Lowville and Newzjunky, Watertown, N.Y.