maria lawson Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Maria Lawson, 53, lost her battle with cancer and peacefully passed away at her home in Houston, Texas on December 4, 2014 surrounded by her beloved partner of twenty-three years, Stacy Lynn Kelly, and their kids (with paws,) Turbo, Choctaw, and cats: Boomerang, Batman and Peta. Maria was born on January 25, 1961, in Houston, Texas. Maria is survived by her wife, Stacy Kelly, who resides in Houston, and their two dogs and three cats mentioned above. They married on August 22, 2004, in Vancouver, British Columbia. Maria and Stacy shared their enthusiasm for many things but most notably for their ranch in Burton, Texas. Maria and Stacy enjoyed the peace and solitude of their ranch and the communion with nature and God. Maria would peer out of her binoculars at deer, hawks and owls for hours, entertained and captivated by unbridled nature at its best in their personal no hunting zone. Maria is the only child of French Weatherly Lawson and Janice Roccaforte Lawson. Her father preceded Maria in death and she is survived by her mother, Janice, who resides in Houston, Texas. Other surviving family members include: Maria's brother, Gary Lawson, his wife, Debby and their five children, Carol Mabrey, Lance Lawson, Mark Lawson, Amy Riojas, and Scott Lawson. Maria's sister Janice Campise Perez, her husband David Perez and their daughter, Anna Capri Perez. Maria's sister, Valanna Campise Reed, her husband, John L. Reed, and their four children, Nick Reed who is married to Martina Reed, Michelle Reed, John Christopher Reed and Camilla Reed. Maria was raised in Houston and attended high school at Stratford High School. She earned a bachelor's of science degree from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas in 1984 where she was a member of Alpha Phi sorority. Maria's heart was pure. Her smile brightened any room while she chatted with whoever was willing. She selflessly reveled in the accomplishments of Stacy, her family and friends, and was quick to advocate her support for those around her. Maria lived her life true to her core and refused to compromise who she was, how she lived and who she loved. She never relented to misunderstanding, ignorance or judgment. She will always be a beacon lighting the way for those who struggle on their journey to remain true to the essence of who they are. Maria has been taken from us way too soon, but she will be forever in our hearts and will be a reminder of a life well lived on her terms. Stacy and Maria's family invite you to commemorate and remember Maria at the memorial service to celebrate her life on Wednesday, December 10, 2014 at Ecclesia Church at 4:30 p.m. with a reception to follow. Ecclesia Church 1100 Elder Street Houston, Texas 77007 www.ecclesiahouston.org In honor of Maria and her love of animals, in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to E-Rescue Houston, a no kill rescue organization dedicated to saving animals from the streets and from public shelters where they face death. The organization functions with volunteers and 100% of donations go to the animals to save and care for them until their forever home is found. E-Rescue Houston http://www.e-rescue-houston.org/ E-Rescue Houston, Inc. 202 Charon Pt. Spring Branch, Texas 78070 Donations may be made online or by regular mail.