Ann Louise Lawson, 51
Our beloved friend, mother, sister and companion, Ann Louise Lawson, "went into the embrace of the Lord," having passed away from cancer on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2005. Throughout her illness and her last days, Ann was surrounded by people whom she loved and who loved her. Ann united all of us with her ability to make each of us feel central in her life. Whether rich or poor, professional or unemployed, young or elderly, athletic or disabled, each of us was equally embraced by Ann's fundamental respect and graciousness.
Athletic, artistic and articulate, Ann's vast accomplishments dazzled us. To some, Ann was a wonder woman, a tall, lean athlete who exhausted us as we tried to follow her zipping down ski slopes or tackling backcountry terrain. We admired her navigating Montana's whitewater rivers and Class IV rapids. A fast biker, a long-distance sea kayaker, and strong backpacker, Ann reveled in every outdoor opportunity Montana offered. Glacier Park was her second home, and she never needed to consult a map, as she had long ago memorized every trail. She said she loved "being in the rhythm of the earth."
To Ann's clients in her physical therapy practice, she was an extraordinary healer, especially to the children she worked with in the school system. She worked for years as a physical therapist with the Kalispell public schools before opening a private physical therapy practice in both Kalispell and Whitefish, where she remained. She enjoyed the challenge of transforming dispirited people with difficult disabilities to become stronger, confident selves. She often said she was rewarded by motivating people to realize the wonders they could accomplish with bodies that weren't working. Many of her patients became lasting friends, contacting her at landmarks in their lives and giving her credit for their later achievements.
As a singer and needlework artist, Ann used her skills to support and delight others. In college, Ann sang with a traveling group, and continued singing for friends at life-cycle occasions. Her sewing skills culminated in beautiful handmade quilts, which she gave to family and friends.
Deeply spiritual and intuitive, Ann wordlessly sensed our deepest thoughts and gently brought them to the surface. She always seemed attuned to her spirituality and used that gift to ease our troubles.
Sharing her talent was not enough, as Ann believed in giving back to a community that was good to her. She was an officer of the National Association of Physical Therapists. After her bout with breast cancer, she became the president of the nascent Montana chapter of the Susan B. Komen Foundation. She was active with local cancer support groups and served on boards dealing with Native American issues, peace and growth matters, with the quilting guild, and was active in her church.
Ann started life in western New York state, born on Nov. 24, 1954, and grew up by Lake Chautauqua in western New York, the second child of Emmett and Augusta Lawson. Her sister and brother-in-law, Sally and Ron Peterson of Randolph, N.Y., and her brother and sister-in-law, Bruce and Cindy Lawson, of Concord, N.H., were with her when she left this world.
Of all her relationships, none supersedes the one with her son, Shae Heberling, the light of her life. She gave him all her love and always wished for him a life filled with loving relationships, as was her own.
Throughout her illness and its painful complications, Ann inspired others with her grace and peace of spirit. She received unwavering care and attention from her longtime devoted companion, Michael Jaworsky.
"We will miss Ann here on Earth, but we know elsewhere Ann's door is always open and her phone is ringing."
Her memorial service will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at the United Methodist Church, 1150 Wisconsin Ave., in Whitefish, with a reception afterward at Loula's Cafe in Whitefish at 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Montana chapter of the Susan B. Komen Cancer Foundation, 825 Helena Ave., Helena, MT 59624.