Obituary of Elaine Veronica Lawrence

We celebrate the life and mourn the passing of a beloved, gentle spirit.

Elaine Veronica Valentine (Pixie), was born on August 16th, 1938 in the parish of Westmoreland, Jamaica, WI.  She resided with her mother Irene Valentine, and grandparents James and Josephine Valentine, as well as her aunts Bernice, Iris, Isolyn, Eulahlee, and Urceline, and uncles, John and Eugene.

From elementary school, she went to Mannings High School and graduated in 1956. She went on to pursue her calling as a nurse and graduated fully qualified from Kingston Public Hospital as a registered nurse in 1962 and as a certified midwife from Victoria Jubilee Hospital in 1963.   

On April 21, 1960, Elaine married her late husband Herman Woodroe Lawrence, and they had two children, Denise and Patrick. Her nursing career made it possible for her and her husband and children to emigrate to the United States and start a new life in Brooklyn, New York.  She worked for New York State in different capacities: the New York State Drug Abuse Program in the 1970s, psychiatric nursing at Kingsboro Psychiatric Center from 1976 to 1987, and in community mental health with the geriatric population until her retirement in 2000.  In addition, she continued her education by earning a Bachelor of Science degree from New York Institute of Technology in 1982. She retired at age 62. 

Elaine contributed to a number of charitable organizations, including the Bowery, the Salesian Missions, and the Salvation Army. She was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church in Queens, New York, and when she wasn’t working, she enjoyed cooking, gardening, and spending time with her family. Her love, kindness, and generosity extended to all, especially her family. She devoted her life to her husband Herman, daughter Denise, son Patrick and his wife Misa, her grandchildren, Mitchell and his wife Gina, Benjamin, and Charles, and her great grandchild, Lorena.  As an only child, her cousins were like siblings and very much a part of her life. She is survived by Maureen Vernon, Errol Stephenson, Anthony Simmonds, Cecile and husband Peter Gray, Beverly Ramsay, Dale and wife Theresa Ramsay, and Camille Ramsay, and the spouses and children of those present and deceased. She was also a part of her husband's family and leaves behind his siblings Stanley, Sam, Mavis, Douglas and Sybil, and the spouses and children of those present and deceased.  Elaine also had many cherished friends who will deeply miss her.     

 Heaven has gained another angel. May she rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations to the Salvation Army (www.salvationarmyusa.org).

Family and friends are welcome to gather on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, from 6-8pm at Dangler Funeral Home, 600 Speedwell Ave., Morris Plains. A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 10:30am at the Morristown United Methodist Church, 50 S Park Place, Morristown, NJ. Interment will be held on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at 12 pm at Pine Lawn Cemetery, Farmingdale, NY.