Shirley M. Lawless

Shirley M. Lawless, 83 of St. Louis, Missouri passed away on September 27, at her home.

She was born on October 5, 1931 in Granite City, a daughter of the late Raymond and Margaret (Stuart) Cowan. She married John (Jack) Lawless on October 24, 1953. Jack preceded her in death on March 2, 1990.

Shirley loved to spend her time having fun with her family and lots of friends. All of us loving called her Shirl. She enjoyed bowling, Vegas, dancing, Vegas, pinochle, Vegas, simple shenanigans, Vegas and her BELOVED Cardinals. Shirley never met a stranger and had the uncanny ability to make people smile. Shirley taught many a niece, nephew as well daughters how to score a baseball game. She loved her grandsons tremendously and was happy for the joy they brought into her life. She loved making them waffles and they loved eating them.

She was retired from Washington University School of Medicine.

She was a member of Berea Lutheran Church in North County for many years until she moved to St. Charles.

She is survived by her daughters Janet Jones (Lawless) of Pacific MO and Kelli Hughes (Lawless) of Weldon Spring, MO. Four grandchildren Chad Jones, John Ryan Jones, Jamison Hughes and Donovan Hughes as well as many nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews, as well as other loved family and great friends.

In addition to her loving parents and husband, she was preceded in death by five brothers, Raymond (Sherwood) Cowan, Kenneth (Sonny) Cowan, Stuart Cowan, Robert (Bruce) Cowan and Maurice (Mo) Cowan as well as two sisters, Marian (Mickey) Grace and Doris Seibold.

If you would like to express your sympathy, in lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude’s Children’s hospital, your favorite charity, or just be kind each and every day to all you meet.

Heaven has another angel to watch over those of us she left behind.

Services will be held grave side at Jefferson Barracks on October 16, 2015 at 1:15pm, 2900 Sheridan Rd, St. Louis, MO 63125. We ask that everyone arrive at 1pm.

A celebration of her life will immediately follow at 2:30pm at Old Hickory Golf Club. #1 Dye Club Drive, St. Peters, MO 63304

8 Comments

  1. Kevin Bierman Family on September 30, 2015 at 7:47 am

    Kelli, Jim and Family,
    So sorry to hear about Shirley. Our heart and prayers go to you in this difficult time. Please know we love you dearly and are thinking of you during this time.
    Kevin, Kathy and family



  2. Jacquelyn Vondrak on September 30, 2015 at 9:10 am

    So wonderfully written for your mom. Sending thoughts, prayers and love your way.



  3. Becky Evans on September 30, 2015 at 3:45 pm

    I worked with Shirley when I started at Washington University 34 years ago. She taught me much and was truly loved by all. I was just reminiscing about her a few months ago with a faculty member who recalls going into the 4 person School of Medicine payroll office and working with Shirley. Fond memories! So glad to see she had a wonderful life after retirement.
    You have my deepest sympathy.

    Becky



  4. Karla and Art Paschek on September 30, 2015 at 7:47 pm

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this incredibly sad time.



  5. Pat Garza on September 30, 2015 at 10:55 pm

    Kelly,Jim and Boys Janet and Family. Sorry for your loss My thoughts and prayers are withyou.



  6. Alana Rothman on October 5, 2015 at 11:28 am

    Please know how sorry I am for your loss. I wish there were words that could help ease the pain and loss. I’ll just say…love you Kel! I believe you have your mom’s spirit…and that will never leave you. Much Love, AFR



  7. Alana Rothman on October 5, 2015 at 11:32 am

    Please know how sorry I am for your loss. I wish there were words I could say to help ease the pain and loss. I guess I’ll just say…love you Kel! You have your mom’s spirit, and that will never leave you. Much Love, AFR



  8. Gordon marshall on October 14, 2015 at 9:12 pm

    Rita and I enjoyed loads of wonderful times with Shirley and her daughters. We were included in so many activities it was almost like Shirley ‘adopted’ us. (Kelli even called me Uncle G.–what an honor) Rita loved working with Shirley in the payroll department at Wash U, we all enjoyed the games and meals together, celebrations of special days, visits to campus, and just the all-around excitement of Shirley’s life. Do I hear her even now admonishing us: “Now don’t make a fuss”? Okay, Shirley, but don’t expect us to forget you either.
    Love, Uncle G



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