Erin Colleen Lawless

Lawless, Erin Colleen MONONA- Erin Colleen Lawless, age 38, died on Friday, June 20, 2014, at UW-Hospital of complications related to her genetic condition, MELAS. She and her twin brother, Patrick, were born on Dec. 30, 1975, in Indianapolis, Ind. As part of a military family she lived in Indiana, Alaska, Minnesota, Nebraska and finally settled in Monona. Erin attended Monona schools and enjoyed gymnastics, swimming and soccer. Erin’s life greatly changed after her diagnosis, though her strong spirit and determination helped her through the difficult times. She never gave up on the many hopes and dreams in her life. Erin had a great passion for the care of animals, especially the loving cats that had been a big part of her life. Along with animals, Erin was able to make special connections with children and greatly enjoyed time spent with them. Erin is survived by her loving mother, Pam Lawless, who has cared for her throughout her illness; twin brother, Patrick (Karyn) Lawless; her special niece, Lily of Bozeman, Mont.; half sister, LeeAnn (David) Frey; her uncle and aunt, Greg and Gail Walker, who played a special role in her life; her uncle Greg (Nicki) Lawless; her aunt, Beth Lawless-Jones; cousins, Charlie Walker, Chris (Amanda) Walker, Ryan (Megan) Lawless, David Ehrgott and Shanna Lawless; and her special friend and supporter, Derek Meyer. She was preceded in death by her father, Dennis Lawless; grandparents, Ed and Mary Walker and Hugh and Elizabeth Lawless; and cousin, Justin Jones. A Celebration of Erin’s Life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at Noon, on Saturday, June 28, 2014. Burial will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. A special thank you to Morgan and Katy from Recover Health; Ricci, Erika, Gwenn and Heather of Agrace HospiceCare; Ronnie from Community Living Alliance; and the D4/6 staff at UW-Hospital for their special care of Erin. Memorials in remembrance of Erin may be made to Shelter from the Storm. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420