Margaret Lawrence

Margaret Lawrence, 96, of Alexis, Illinois passed away Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at Olathe Medical Center, Olathe, Kansas.

Margaret was born June 1, 1924 in Crayford Kent, England to Sidney and Violet Dowdall. She was raised and educated in Crayford, England.

Margaret served as a Leading Aircraft Woman while in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during WWII from 1941-1945. While in the RAF, she met and later married James S. Lawrence of Alexis, Illinois, who was serving in the United States Army Air Corps. They were married in Crayford, England on June 20, 1944.

During her active life, Margaret was employed as a bank teller, dental assistant, and eventually retired from Galesburg State Research Hospital where she worked as a mental health technician.

Margaret was an avid gardener, knitter, and quilter. But foremost was her love of animals, especially her beloved dogs. Margaret had also been involved with animal rescue.

Margaret’s quick humor and wit brought laughter to her family and her wonderful circle of kind, caring friends. She was devoted to her family, friends, and the Alexis community. Margaret was a member of the Alexis United Presbyterian Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James S. Lawrence, both parents, four brothers: Lesley, Sidney, Jack, and Dennis Dowdall, and sister Constance Gardiner.  All six Dowdall siblings served in the British Armed Forces during WWII.  Margaret was also preceded in death by her nephew Stephen Dowdall, who served in the U.S. Navy.

She is survived by her daughter Linda Lawrence Pfeffer, her grandson Christopher (Rachel) Pfeffer, and three great grandchildren, Anderson James Pfeffer, Margaret Anna Pfeffer and Jonathan Dowdall Pfeffer, all of Overland Park, Kansas.  Also surviving are local nephews David Dowdall, of Monmouth, Rick (Ellen) Dowdall, of Table Grove, and Jamie (Janet) Dowdall, of Lena, and their families.

Visitation family will receive friends with a time of refreshment from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2020, at Wise Family Hoover-Hall Funeral Home in Alexis, IL.  The family is requesting that everyone wears masks.  Cremation has been accorded. A private graveside service for family will immediately follow. Burial will be in Alexis Cemetery.  If desired, friends may make memorial contributions to the Western Illinois Animal Rescue (wiarrescue.com) or Knox County Humane Society(knoxcountyhumanesociety.org).  Please sign the online guestbook at www.wisefamilyfuneralhome.com.  Wise family Hoover Hall Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.