Suzanne P. Lawrence: Writing Coach, Living Historian, Researcher, Mother (1937-2010)

Suzanne Paquette Lawrence

A talented writer, charismatic performer, devoted historian, committed volunteer, and dedicated mother to her three children and seven grandchildren, Suzanne Lee Paquette Lawrence inspired her family, friends, colleagues, and community throughout her life with her actions, her intellect, and her quick wit.

Passionate about her research into the history of the Bible and of Ventura County, Suzanne enjoyed sharing what she learned through classes she taught and living history performances she gave.

Suzanne loved art, nasturtiums, and cats, especially her tabby Gracie, and a good heirloom tomato BLT.  We will all miss her very much.

Suzanne Lawrence was one of The Write Alley Coaches. She specialized in conducting oral histories, transcribing them, and turning them into narratives. She was also my mother.

We held her Celebration of Life Memorial Service at the Ventura County Museum where she’d been a docent for 20 years. Over 200 people attended. I composed her bio on the program above, worked with the newspaper reporter for this article on Suzanne Lawrence, and wrote her obituary. I also organized the program for the service.

I know now how difficult it is to do this kind of writing. Just a few weeks ago, a friend, a trained journalist and an environmental writer, had to write about her father and found it very hard. She suggested that I add these services to my menu–that having a writing coach to help would be very beneficial. Now I know why. I am grateful to my friends who heard me read, listened to the writing I did last week while it was in process, and gave me constructive criticism and feedback. If you are currently struggling with this sort of writing task, I would be pleased to help you.