Doris L. Lawson

Lawson, Doris (Granzen) MADISON- Doris Lawson, age 84, of Madison, passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2015, at Oak Park Nursing and Rehabilitation. She was born on Oct. 9, 1930, in Brooklyn, N.Y., the daughter of Alexander and Dorothy (Jacoby) Lawson. Doris grew up in Brooklyn and Jersey City, N.J. She raised her children in Hartsdale, N.Y., and lived for a while in Litchfield, Conn. before moving to Madison 21 years ago. Doris worked on and off as an administrative assistant, including stints with an air transport company (where she was given the controls of a Lear jet while in the air), and Wainwright House, an adult school located on the Long Island Sound dedicated to Peace Studies. She was a painter in watercolors, an avid gardener, and collected rare books and studied various world religions. Doris was formerly a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hartsdale and the Scarsdale Friends Meeting. She loved the ocean, frequenting beaches on Long Island and the Jersey Shore. It was as a mother where Doris excelled. She raised three sons (and two dogs) and had a great spirit of hospitality towards their friends. Everyone was welcomed with a smile and no one left with an empty stomach. Doris coped with various health conditions, both acute and chronic, throughout her life. She was a sweet and gentle soul, with an inner strength. Doris is survived by her sons and their families, Michael Granzen and Karen Hernandez-Granzen and their daughters, Mikaella and Olivia of Princeton, N.J.; Jerry and Kathy Granzen and their daughters, Kelly and Kristi of Wading River, N.Y.; and Dennis and Pam Granzen and their sons, Cullen and Patrick of Madison; her sister, Rosemary Borghoff of Cary, N.C. and Rosemary’s children, Don, Patty, Nancy, Joanne and Sue, and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Al Lawson; and her beloved brother-in-law, Edwin Borghoff. A private service will be held in the summer. Memorials in Doris’ name may be made to Agrace HospiceCare, your local chapter of NAMI, or a nonprofit organization of your choice. Doris’ family wishes to thank the staff of the South Madison Coalition of the Aging, Creekwood Assisted Living, Oak Park Place, and Agrace HospiceCare of Southern Wisconsin for their wonderful care and support for Doris. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420