Louise Lawson 1948 ~ 2023
Agatha Louise Lawson, age 75, died peacefully October 12, 2023 with her family by her side in the Souris Hospital, after a long 21 year on and off fight with cancer. She was born February 16, 1948, in Boissevain, MB the second child of 5 born to Abe and Hilda Neufeld. According to Grandpa’s memories, if they had not had the incubator Louise might not have made it through the night. Louise and her family moved Souris in 1956, she started grade 2 in Souris school and they attended St. Paul’s United Church. Her faith was one thing that never wavered and part of that faith was singing in St. Paul’s choir, which she did for over 55 years. In 1968 while singing in the choir she met dad, Bill Lawson. Louise and Bill were married in August of 1971. In August 1974 Ryan was born and in August 1977, Jana arrived and the million dollar family was complete.
Louise received her hair dressing license in 1968 and continued cutting hair for the majority of her life. Later she incorporated her hair dressing into working at the Corner Closet and Country Cuts. Mom loved her time at Corner Closet, meeting people and helping them find the perfect outfits.
Louise loved watching many different sports. It was very rare that she would miss a curling game on TV, the Blue Jays ball games or a Jets hockey game. She rarely missed the local Cardinals ball games or Elks & Cougars hockey games and enjoyed welcoming the teams over to the house after games for some “socializing”.
Mom also loved shopping. It was her number one hobby. She was thoughtful when she was buying gifts for someone and if you ever received a gift from her, it was beautifully wrapped.
Other than her family, nothing meant more to Louise then the community of Souris. She was a proud member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, St. Paul’s UCW, and enjoyed volunteering at the Avalon Theatre in Souris. She also loved her walking group and coffee crew. She was always baking to welcome new families to the neighbourhood.
Louise was predeceased by her parents Abe and Hilda Neufeld, and brother in law Mac Draper.
Louise is survived by her loving husband of 52 years Bill Lawson, Son Ryan (Allison) grandchildren Gillian, Barrett, Jasper, and Willa and daughter Jana. She is also survived by her siblings, Betty Draper, Bob (Alexis) Neufeld, Jeanne (Don) Lewis, and Ed (Janice) Neufeld and their families along with many close relatives and friends.
A funeral celebrating Louise’s life was held at St. Paul’s United Church on Wednesday, October 18th with inurnment held in the Souris-Glenwood Cemetery Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Souris & Glenwood Foundation, St. Paul’s United Church Memorial Fund, or to a charity of your choice.
William George (Bill) Lawson 1946 ~ 2025
William George (Bill) Lawson was born on January 8, 1946 to Bob and Margaret Lawson in Carman Manitoba. Bill grew up at Maple Grove Farm northeast of Miami, Manitoba with his sister Donna, and brothers Ray and Doug.
Bill attended school in Miami, MB for his elementary and high school years. From there, he attended United College to obtain a bachelor of Science, followed by a Bachelor of Education from the University of Manitoba. After graduating from University, he taught for six months in Miami and Minnedosa. In 1968 Bill was hired to teach Biology, Chemistry and Math at Souris School. He retired in 2001. He often shared two highlights of his teaching career - he taught all 12 kids in a local Souris family and, due to substitute teaching after retirement, there were times he taught students from three different generations.
While in Souris, he met and married Louise Neufeld. Together, they raised two children, Ryan and Jana. They celebrated 52 years of marriage in August, 2023.
Bill was very much part of the Souris community; conducting St.Paul’s United Church choir for 30 years, organizing school musicals for 15 years, serving on Town Council, and helping with Souris Cardinal baseball teams, Souris Elks and Southwest Cougars hockey teams. Beyond the Souris community, Bill was part of the Hockey Manitoba community, spending years as the Registrar for the Southwest region.
In his spare time, music was an interest of Bill’s. He was one of the founding members of the Westman Youth Choir. The first choir was organized in 1980 and has been a constant in the Westman region for 45 years. He was extremely happy to see Ryan and Gillian sing in the choir.
Bill also enjoyed gardening and all that came with it. From beautiful perennials in their flower beds, to his vegetable garden and indoor plants. Many family and friends enjoyed a jar of salsa or “Bill’s Dills” pickles prepared by him. He shared slips of his family Christmas cactus to anyone who showed an interest.
Bill was predeceased by Louise; his loving wife of 52 years in October 2023. Parents, Bob and Margaret Lawson, mother and father-in-law, Hilda and Abe Neufeld, brother-in-law Mac Draper and nephew Derek Smith.
Bill will be deeply missed by his children; son Ryan (Allison) daughter Jana, and four grandchildren; Gillian, Barrett, Jasper and Willa. Bill will also be missed by: his sister Donna (Tony) Smith, brothers; Ray (Gwen) Lawson, Doug (Signey) Lawson; Sisters-in-Law Betty Draper, Jeanne (Don) Lewis; Brothers-in-Law Bob (Alexis) Neufeld and Ed (Janice) Neufeld, Step mother-in-law Sadie Neufeld, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.
Funeral Service was held on Friday September 19th, 2025 at St. Paul’s United Church, with the Venerable Jonathan Hoskin officiating. St. Paul’s Choir sang an anthem (Thy Will be Done) with a solo by Grant Jackson.
The family would like to thank everyone at Cancer Care in Brandon, the nurses on the third floor at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, Dr. Ahweng, but most importantly Dr. Cram and the nurses at the Souris Health Centre. Bill was so happy to go back home, and the care he received while in Souris was second to none.
Donations may be made to the Souris & Glenwood Foundation, Box 518 Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0; or to the Westman Youth Choir, Box 1116 Virden, Manitoba R0M 2C0.