Karen Lawrence Obituary

Karen R. Lawrence (Clearwater), loving wife, mother, nana, sister, and friend, passed away unexpectedly at home in Cape Vincent NY on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

Karen was born on December 17, 1953 in Elmira, NY, the daughter of Daniel and Mary Ellen Decker Rapalee. She attended South Seneca and Odessa schools. Karen lived for many years in the Odessa-Montour, NY area where she worked and raised her family.

Karen worked for many years at Willard Psychiatric Facility as a Nurse’s Aide before starting her career at Schuyler Hospital working as a Nurse’s Aide then moving into the Physical Therapy Department as a Rehab Aide. Retiring in February of 2016 after nearly 40 years of service.

Karen then moved to Cape Vincent, NY, and married Patrick J. Lawrence on July 8, 2016, at the Tibbett’s Point Lighthouse in Cape Vincent. Together, in “retirement” they enjoyed traveling with their camper, sightseeing and making new friends at the RV parks. Above all, she loved spending time with family, among her fondest treasures were her children, her grandchildren, and her dog Molly.

Karen is survived by her loving husband Patrick Lawrence of Cape Vincent, NY, her children, Robert (Anna) Clearwater of Spencer, NY, Magan Meier (Jason Briggs) of Erin, NY, Brian (Janaine) Lawrence of Watertown, NY; Jenny (Ralph) Simon of Bordentown, NJ; sisters, Patricia Clearwater (Terry) of Odessa, NY and Helen (Bill) McGuane of Spartanburg, SC; brothers, Thomas “Pete” (Cheryl) Rapalee of Interlaken, NY, Bob (Rhonda) Rapalee of Spartanburg, SC, Dwayne Rapalee of Interlaken, NY; Grandchildren, Karlee and Ryan Meier, Tommy Simon, and Gwendolyn, Charlie, and Connor Lawrence. Many nieces and nephews as well as the extended Lawrence family.

Parents Daniel and Mary Ellen Rapalee, and grandson, Owen Lawrence, predeceased her.

Per Karen’s wishes there will not be public services.

Memorial donations in Karen’s name may be made to the Cape Vincent Ambulance Fund, 180 East Broadway St., Cape Vincent, NY 13618, American Cancer Society, or the Tibbett’s Point Lighthouse Historical Society, PO Box 683, Cape Vincent, NY 13618.