Martha J. “The General” Lawlor Longyear, 73, of New Haven passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 14, 2016 at the Connecticut Hospice, Branford with her family by her side. Martha was born in New Haven on December 31, 1942; daughter of the late William and Ruth Hesse Lawlor; was the CEO of Sherman’s Tavern for over 22 years; was the Food & Nutrition Supervisor at Yale-New Haven Hospital for twenty years until her retirement; for many years was involved with community organizations including PAL and was best known as the Head Chef of the “Ha Ha” Hotel at 314 Front Street, New Haven where there was always a seat at her table for everyone. Mother of Janice (Russ) Hurlburt, Richard Longyear, Catherine Misbach and John Longyear. Nana to Mark Robert Misbach, John M. Longyear, Katerina Lisitsin, Kerryanne and Kamryn Longyear. Sister of William F. (Elizabeth) Lawlor, Martin J. (Ann) Lawlor, Effie Yarrington and the late Patricia Guard and Ruth Pelletier. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and her two dogs.
Her funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue Friday morning at 9:15. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Frances Church, New Haven at 10:00 AM. The visiting hours will be Thursday from 4 to 8 PM. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. Should friends desire, contributions can be made to the American Lung Association, 45 Ash Street, East Hartford, CT 06108 or the Smilow Cancer Hospital, P.O. Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508.
Still in disbelief on our loss, she meant soo much to the Lawlor Clan then anyone could know, I will miss her dearly and send hugs and prayers to my cousins…..Love you All
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very, very sad time. We will miss you Mardi!!????
Forever in our hearts she will be missed.Family reunions and picnics won't be the same but she will always be there in spirit,we will miss her singing with my mom and all the cousins.Aunt Martha played a key part in keeping our family together and we need to go on and continue her traditions.with love to my cousins and lots of hugs we love you xoxoxo
An angel from god came into my life when i was thirteen years old. It's a special thing to have a friend and confidant for 36 years that you loved and trusted with your entire soul, the age of your mother. I'd go to front street looking for an answer and she gave me profound, logical advise It always put me back on my path, THEN she stuffed my face and I walked out the door with a bag of food. You will live in my heart forever Martha…I honored to have known you.
John,
So sorry for you loss.
Greg P
My condolences Janice , Ricky, Cathie, John…. the kids and our family. A cornerstone of our family. Rest easy Martha.
We first met Martha in 1994 in Breckenridge CO at the Guthrie Reunion. She was so likable, full of energy, always willing to help. She created and led a singing group each evening. Everyone had so much fun participating. The group later became known as the "Singing Cousins" and received top billing at all other Reunions. Our sorrow is great and our prayers are with the family. A great loss of a favorite cousin and we will miss her.
Our deepest condolences on the recent passing of a Fair Haven Matriarch. She will always be remembered for opening her home to so many. Whether it was to provide comforts of food, good conversation, she always made you feel welcomed. I am proud to have shared so many great times growing up with the Longyears. Janice, Rick, Cathy and John I will treasure the days we spent terrorizing your mom. She screamed, she yelled, she even threw shoes…..after it was all over she was always able to laugh.
She will be missed dearly. She brought so much fun and laughter to all our reunions. To my cousins, her children, I know you will miss your Mom. We only get one. The memories you made as a family will get you through this.
John,
I am so very for the loss of your beautiful Mother. You have her smile. I will be praying for you and your family during this difficult time. May God send you and your family Comfort and Blessings.
May she rest in peace. My deepest sympathy goes out to the family.
Just to let you know you are in our prayers at this time, and we have heavy hearts at the loss of your Mom, our cousin and friend. I know our clan will miss our singing cousin, so many fun times were shared, glad we had the chance to do it with her. Her smile will be with us always, as she sings with the best of them now.
Your Singing Cuzzins forever
(Sent to the family of cousin Doris by Martha and Effie March 5, 2014. None said it better.)