Shirley Elaine Lawson

Shirley Elaine Lawson of Branchville Borough, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and best friend, passed away Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at the age of 88 at Karen Ann Quinlan Home for Hospice in Fredon Township.

Shirley was born in Newton and was a lifelong Sussex County resident. She graduated from Newton High School, Class of 1953. Shirley worked as a phone operator until becoming a dedicated homemaker. She worked as the Secretary for the First Presbyterian Church of Branchville for several years. After raising her family, she retired as an Auditor with Selective Insurance, formerly Selective Risk.

Shirley loved collecting antiques and was a voracious reader her whole life. She enjoyed bowling and was part of many Tuesday night leagues in her younger years. Shirley loved cats and would take in all of the neighborhood strays giving them all the love they deserved. She loved hosting parties and weddings for family and friends and was always the life of the party, well known and well loved by many. She hosted Monday night pizza parties every week for close friends and family at their home until the death of her husband.

Shirley was predeceased in 2020 by her husband of 66 years, Donald Rex Lawson; her parents, Arthur and Leah (Decker) Wilgus; her brother, Robert Wilgus; and her sister-in-law, Ann Wilgus. She is survived by her daughter, Robin Underwood and husband, Joseph; her son, Randall “Randy” Lawson and wife, Patricia; her grandchildren, Allison Cruz (Jon), Breana Passafaro (Justin), Joey Underwood (Samantha), Neal Lawson, Mark Lawson (Rob), Dr. Adam Straub (Dr. Michelle), and Peter Straub (Sarah); her great-grandchildren, Isabella, Tyler, Maya, Liam, Emma, and Cian; and her sister, Barbara Cotte (Bill).

A Celebration of Shirley’s Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Shirley’s memory to: Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Ave, Newton, NJ 07860. Online condolences may be offered at www.smithmccrackenfuneralhome.com.