Mary Lou Lawson, 86, of Narragansett, RI, passed away peacefully at her beloved home on Monday, April 13th, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Mary Lou was born on February 19th, 1940, in Providence RI to Miles E. Smith and Ruth L. Smith (neé Nelson). She is predeceased by her parents and her sister Marylyn (Meme) Peel.

Both her childhood and early married life were spent in Pawtuxet Village, where she connected with lifelong friends. She was the life of every party, enjoying music and dressing up with her friends for the Gaspee Days ball. She moved to Great Island in 1975 and told everyone she met that it was "the only place to live." She joined a local card group and was known for her fearless bids. She enjoyed watching the sunset over the pond, finding sea glass and shells on the beach, and watching fishing boats and ferries pass through the channel. She was a bird enthusiast and would drop everything to watch the cardinals at her bird feeder.

Mary Lou was a pre-school teacher, and her granddaughters can vouch that she was the very best. Her creativity shone through many crafting projects, from painting to woodworking, and creating homemade Christmas gifts with her granddaughters. Of every title she held, her favorites were mother and grandmother.

Mary Lou is survived by her children, Christy Willis of Charlestown RI and Scott Lawson of Alexandria VA, and granddaughters Samantha Willis (Harrison), Amanda Pimentel (Thomas), and Tatum Lawson. She also leaves behind nephews Gregory, Stephen, and David Peel. She will be missed beyond measure.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 1-3PM with a service to immediately follow at 3PM in Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield, RI 02789. Burial is private.

In lieu of flowers and with gratitude for their exceptional care of Mary Lou, the family welcomes donations to Baxter Palliative Care (www.baxterpalliativecare.com/donate).