Valerie Jo-an Lawrence

Valerie "Jo-an" Lawrence, age 92, of Worcester, died Sunday, February 9, 2025, at the Knollwood Nursing Center.

Jo-an is survived by her niece, Michele A. Colby and her husband Richard Colby of Worcester, a nephew, Michael J. Clements and his wife Diane Clements of North Grafton; great nephew Richard Colby Jr. and his wife Heather; great niece, Nicole Longton and her husband Stephen; great nephew Michael Clements and his wife Linda; and great nephew John Clements and his wife Elizabeth; and 12 great-great nephews and nieces, including her godchildren, Olivia Grace Colby and Alyssa Summer Michele Longton.

Her sister, Angela M. (Salerno) Clements, died in 2005.

Jo-an was born in Worcester, daughter of Charles F. Lawrence, Jr. who died in 1965 and Florence (Houle) Lawrence Hart, who died in 1994. She lived in Franklin for many years before returning to Worcester in 1962.

She graduated from Franklin High School in 1950.

She was a computer operator for the Mass. Highway Department before retiring in 1997.

Jo-an was a member of the Retired State, County and Municipal Employees Association of Mass., the American Legion Post 201, “Our Lady of Sorrows” at Mt. Carmel Church, and was a Passionist Witness at Calvary Retreat Center, Shrewsbury. She was also a member of Our Lady of the Rosary Church, where she was a Eucharistic Minister and a choir member. She was a volunteer for the Easter Seals and Assumption College. She also packaged rosary beads for St. Christopher Church and belonged to their Retired Club.

Jo-an enjoyed spending time with her family and with her four cats, who kept her busy.

The funeral Mass will be Wednesday, February 12, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 25 Fales St., Worcester. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Franklin. Friends may visit in the church on Wednesday from 9:30 to 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 23 Fales St., Worcester, MA 01606 or the MSPCA, 350 S. Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130.