Obituaries

In Memoriam: Longtime Little Silver Resident, Em Lawes, 99

“Em lived a long and inspiring life. When people asked for her secret to longevity, she would always say, ‘Just keep moving.‘” ~ family of Em Lawes

Longtime Little Silver resident, Eleanor “Em” Jones Lawes, passed away peacefully at home in her sleep on Dec. 28 “after a day surrounded by family.” She was 99.

“She was fondly known as “Em” to friends and “MeMe” to her family. She grew up in Interlaken and Little Silver. In grammar school she met Donald E. Lawes Jr. who became the love of her life. They were happily and lovingly married for 59 years! Em was an avid sports woman. When her children were growing up, she enjoyed demonstrating to neighborhood children her ability to drop kick a football. A priority of hers was to make sure children were having fun. She was never happier than when she had neighborhood children sledding on her hill on a snowy winter day, ending with all invited in the house for hot chocolate.

“Em excelled at golf, winning the Ladies’ Club Championship at Rumson Country Club multiple times. Em enjoyed summers at Sea Bright Beach Club where she was an original member of the Six O’clock Club.She was a member of the Women’s New Jersey Golf Association and the Metropolitan Golf Association and played in many tournaments and team matches over the years. Her passion for golf and children led her to start the Junior Golf Program at RCC many years ago, which continues to grow and has produced generations of golfers, including her own. Originally, the Junior Program was not sanctioned. At the end of the season, Em quietly held the award ceremony in the Spar Shed. When a board member unexpectedly walked in, he liked Em’s idea and soon got the board’s approval for the program.

“Em enjoyed many arts and crafts, particularly painting after her children were grown. Many people were lucky enough to be recipients of her numerous painting projects.”

Loved ones of Em Lawes in her obituary

Em was predeceased by: her husband, Donald E Lawes Jr. in 2006; her parents, Helen and Albert Jones; two brothers, Arthur and Albert; and a special friend, Charles Walker. 

Em is survived by: daughter, Phyllis McNerney (Bob) of Harvard, MA; two sons, Donald E Lawes III (Darcy), of Oceanport, and William D. Lawes (Ann), of Rumson; eight grandchildren and their spouses, and 11 great-grandchildren, “all of whom will miss a very special person who had been a huge part of their lives.”

Services will be private. A Celebration of Life will take place at a future date. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to your favorite charity.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Thompson Memorial Home