Sr. Mary Lawrence Vanderburg, SFP
September 25, 1925 – March 28, 2022
Sister Mary Lawrence was a brilliant light and a dedicated servant of God during her many years as a Franciscan Sister of the Poor. Having been raised in a large family, she learned early how to sacrifice personal desires for the common good, and this value served her well all her religious life.
Dorothy Louise was born on September 25, 1925 in Columbus, OH, to Joseph and Mary Ruth Vanderburg, the sixth of eight children: Helen, Joseph, Clara, Leo, Lawrence, Irene and Mary Ann. The family survived the Great Depression because her father was able to get a job delivering coal and her mother was a wonderful cook and housekeeper, spending her summer months growing vegetables and canning, and preparing foods for the winter. She attended St. Augustine Elementary School and Mifflin High School in Columbus. With such a large family, she was never at a loss for playmates, and this family experience influenced her in fostering relationships throughout her life.
Dorothy’s first encounter with the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor occurred when her father helped the Sisters plow a field and plant a garden at St. Anthony Hospital in Columbus. Later, her oldest sister got a job at St. Francis Hospital in the same city. During her last years in high school, Dorothy worked there also, and became friends with several of the sisters. It was here that she first gave any thought to becoming a religious. Though resistant to the idea at first, she said “God has a way of getting to you and He kept nudging”! Dorothy entered the Novitiate on October 26, 1949, and at her Investiture, took the name Sister Mary Lawrence in memory of her brother who had been killed in World War II. She made her First Profession of Vows on May 3, 1952 and her Perpetual Profession on May 3, 1957.
Sr. Mary Lawrence received her BS in Business from the University of Dayton in 1956 and her MS in Hospital Administration from Xavier University, Cincinnati in 1965. She served in multiple positions in hospital administration in Ohio and Kentucky. Her favorite place was Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital in Ashland, Kentucky, where she spent close to 30 years of her life. Here, she formed deep ties with the local community, even serving as secretary at Holy Family Parish for a few years.
After 55 years in active ministry, Sr. Mary Lawrence returned to St. Clare Convent to “retire”. This was short-lived, as she was soon selected to be Community Minister, responsible to provide for the needs of the sisters living in the convent, as well as to oversee the maintenance of the building. When her term ended in August, 2009, she hoped to spend more time in reading and prayer. Instead, she continued to be engaged in the activities of the sisters, helping as she could with the early beginnings of Tamar’s Center, a day center for addicted women involved in human trafficking. As her physical needs changed, she became a much-loved volunteer at the Franciscan Peddler Thrift Shop on the grounds of St. Clare Campus.
In the last few years, Sr. Mary Lawrence finally had the time to devote herself to prayer and reading – always with an open door and heart to welcome others. She loved to see her family, her nieces and nephews came to visit as often as possible – faithfully bringing the bucket of Kentucky fried chicken that delighted her.
The joy and laughter that Sister Mary Lawrence brought to others revisited her during her last days, and she passed gently into the arms of God during the night of March 28, 2022.
Ever a woman to look out for the good of others, among her papers, Sister Mary Lawrence left us words we can all take to heart. “Religious life is not a bed of roses, but it also is definitely not a bed of thorns! Any life is what you make of it. One needs a generous spirit, a love of people (especially poor people), a willingness to make sacrifices, and above all, a deep personal relationship with God.”
Written by: Sr. Jo-Ann Jackowski, SFP
“Outshining the Sunshine”
Her smile made every day a better day,
she’d outshine the sun above,
And when laughter lit her face
it simply filled the space
with joy and life and love.
So generous in reaching out to others,
you’d watch and you could tell You’d surely never find
a heart more true or kind,
a lifetime lived so well.
Each life she touched is better for her presence,
for the faith and fun she shared,
And she never would’ve guessed
how many souls she blessed,
and all because she cared.
Beverly Kaye © 2022
The following are some testimonials from our Sisters, Associates, and friends who remember with affection Sr. Mary Lawrence Vanderburg:
Sr Mary Lawrence spent many years of her life in hospital administration ministry, yet she had the gift of meeting every person exactly where they were at. One automatically felt a sense of peace and acceptance in her presence. I believe she reflected back to others her very deep and real love of God. She will be missed by many. Sr. Marilyn Trowbridge, Sfp
In 2016 I spent three months in the United States and I shared many special moments of everyday life with Sr. Mary Lawrence. I was working with her at the Thrift Shop in St Claire and I was going with her to Tamar Place. I will never forget how much we laughed together, her irony, her being very concrete and human and also her kindness and care towards everyone. She always had a word of hope and comfort for everyone and her deep wisdom was of a disarming simplicity. Goodbye Sr. Mary Lawrence, you are the Franciscan Sister of the Poor I would most like to be like. I wish I could have met you one last time here on earth, but I’m sure you are here beside me with your sweet and warm smile encouraging me in the Philippine mission. Sr. Francesca Vitulano, sfp
Sr. Mary Lawrence gifted us with:
…. A welcoming , gracious spirit
Leaving joy and wisdom to those in her presence.
…. A soft listening attentiveness in which goodness, care and compassion would shrine through!
…. Peace- Sr carried a peaceful presence that flowed in her interactions with others
…. Love – A spiritual elder emanating love for God and All!
I spent many hours after work in her room at the convent . I left a happier person! She always lessened my burdens!
Sr Mary Lawrence was truly graced, a blessing and example for others. Her life among us was a rich example of how God shines in us!
Blessed heavenly peace!With my love and gratitude,
SFP Associate Anne Cabanas
Sr. Mary Lawrence was an extremely gifted individual, constantly living the Gospel of our Lord.
Always a smile, a friendly face, and an open heart to listen to anyone she was with.
Her presence left one assured that Mother Francis’ work was at the forefront of the moment.
She was always like a shining light in the room. She always wanted to know how my life and family were and wanting to pray for us.
No matter what, she was always there to open the Peddler before going to mass. Despite how tired she may have been on any given day, she brushed that aside and wore her smile with her twinkling blue eyes.
God rest your soul, Mary Lawrence.
SFP Associate Nancy Ziegler
From my first steps onto the Convent grounds and then into The Peddler, Sr Mary Lawrence was my first acquaintance. I told her I was there to learn more after an ad was printed in Our Lady of Visitation church bulletin asking for volunteers. I spoke to her about 5 minutes and told her my father’s name was Lawrence (now deceased) and had an instant feeling this is where I needed to share some of my time and efforts. It’s been a true joy and pleasure ever since. Heaven certainly has one beautiful angel.
Annie Goettke, volunteer at Franciscan Peddler Thrift Shop
I am so saddened to hear this but I know she is rejoicing in heaven. Sister Mary Lawrence was always a joy to be with and I will miss her. Prayers sent to all those who mourn her loss
Mary Ann Escudero, volunteer at Franciscan Peddler
We were blessed to have a woman such as Sister Mary Lawrence in our presence. She was one person who saw you. She saw you as a child of the universe truly loved and adored by God. Her love and gentleness for people was on display at all times.
To heal a wounded world started with her smile. There wasn’t a day that went by that she didn’t have a smile and a warm greeting when she saw you. That alone lifted so many spirits. Sister was always ready and able to help in any capacity. She saw a need and she went to fill that need. I will miss her greatly but rejoice in the knowledge she is gazing into the eyes of her beloved God. Peace and All Good Sister Mary Lawrence. Anonymous
