Barbara Lavina Lawson, a life-long Superior resident, died Wednesday, February 16, 2011 in her sleep at St. Francis in the Park Health and Rehabilitation Center, Superior.

Barbara lived to the age of 94 and always said, "I have had a good life." Barbara had the sweetest nature and was able to find enjoyment in every day. She was married to John Lawson for over 56 years and together they raised six children. She was devoted to family and relished her friends and community.

Barbara was born on September 7, 1916 and raised in Superior in a beautiful home her father built. She attended Lincoln and McCaskill schools and graduated from Central High School at age 16. She graduated from University of Wisconsin-Superior, then known as Superior State Teacher's College. After teaching one year, she and her school sweetheart John Lawson announced their marriage and began their life together.

As a young girl, she heard Fritz Kreisler play the violin in Duluth. She was deeply impressed and wanted to play like that. Her father got her a violin and she studied diligently becoming an accomplished musician. She was involved with music from then on, playing frequently in the community through the years. She gave the gift of music to her children and grandchildren.

Barbara was an early member of Clef Club, a local women's music group dedicated to promoting music performance. She was a member of St. Alban the Martyr Episcopal Church and a long-time choir member at the church, a den mother, an active parent in her children's schools, a member of the Order of Eastern Star, and a member of the Conductor and Brakemen's Ladies Auxiliary. She kept in contact with many of her Sigma Omega sorority sisters by meeting with them regularly through the years.

Barbara taught by example, emanating kindness, compassion, and warmth throughout her life. She truly is an inspiration to her children and their families.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband John Stuart Lawson, son James "Jim" Gregory, parents, Rangda (Nielsen) and Adolph Rauchenstein, and sister Melba Marie Rauchenstein.

Barbara is survived by son John and wife Mary of St. Louis Park, MN and their children Jennifer, Natalie, John and Katrina; daughter-in-law Mickey, son Jim's widow, of Wadena and their children Debbie, Terry and Mike; daughter Katy and husband Bob of Plymouth, MN and their children Rob and Barbara Jean; son Hugh of Superior, WI; daughter Barbara and husband Tim of Solon Springs, WI and their children Peter and Paul; and son Peter and wife Dorothea and their children Hugh, Sarah and Haley; brother David Rauchenstein and wife Pat of Centennial, CO and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family wishes to thank all the staff at St. Francis in the Park for the excellent care of their mother.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorials to St. Albans Episcopal Church in Barbara's memory.

Visitation is scheduled for 11 am and a Mass of the Resurrection will follow at 12 pm on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at the Church of St. Alban the Martyr , 1510 New York Ave. Rev. Robert A. Rodgers will officiate. Internment will be at Greenwood Cemetery.

Downs Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.