Teresa Louise Calamari Lawrence

Teresa Calamari Lawrence, 91, died Monday, May 15, 2006, at her home in Biloxi after celebrating the weekend with her loving family. She was an example for all as the most remarkable Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Great-Great-Grandmother, Sister, and Aunt. She was loved by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Teresa was born in New Orleans, moved to Biloxi at an early age, and graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in 1933. She married her childhood sweetheart in 1935 and was a member of Nativity Cathedral parish. She has actively promoted Catholic education at both the elementary and high school levels. She was one of the volunteers who helped set up the initial library at Nativity Elementary School. She served in various leadership positions at Notre Dame and Sacred Heart High Schools' parent organizations. In 1980, she was inducted as a charter member of the Sacred Heart-Notre Dame Alumni Hall of Fame. Teresa loved being surrounded by her large family and enjoyed cooking for them. She was affectionately known as “Spaghetti Grandma” by her great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Anthony N. (Bay) Lawrence, Sr., parents, Mary and Joseph Calamari; brothers, Peter, Johnny, Anthony, and Henry Calamari; and sisters, Louise Calamari, L.C. (Elsie) Carlson, and Mary Recely. She is survived by her sons and spouses, Anthony and Darla Lawrence, Jr., Henry and Mary Margaret Lawrence, Francis and Linda Lawrence, George and Georgia Lawrence and daughter and spouse, Teresa and Charles Thompson, Sr.; 22 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, May 19, 2006, at 11 a.m. at Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Cathedral where friends may visit from 9 a.m. until service time. Rosary will be recited at 10a.m. Interment will follow in Biloxi City Cemetery. The Pass Road Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes in Biloxi is in charge of arrangements.