Theresa “Terry” (Wash) Lawrence, 91, of Bethlehem, died on Aug. 9, 2024, while in the care of Gracedale Nursing Home and Lehigh Valley Hospice. Born in South Bethlehem, she was a daughter of the late Theresa (Freind) Vas and John Vas. She was the wife of former Bethlehem City Councilman the late Jack Lawrence.

She was a 1951 Liberty H.S. alumna. She earned a B.S. in Education from East Stroudsburg State Teachers College.

She was a career elementary school teacher in the Bethlehem Area School District and St. John Capistrano School.

She was a former parishioner of St. John Capistrano and Holy Infancy churches.

She was active in local, state and national democratic politics, served on many committees and attended national conventions and inaugurations. She was a board member of the South Bethlehem Historical Society and St. Michael’s Ladies’ Auxiliary. She was active in the South Bethlehem Neighborhood Center, Tammany Democratic Association and other local beneficiary organizations.

She is survived by four children, Jayne Cressman and her husband Bob, Jack and his wife Sue and Jenifer and her husband Jim Della Croce, all of Bethlehem, and Jim and his wife ‘Aine Hasham of Schnecksville; six grandchildren, Julia Fiorentino (Scott Lueker), Robert Cressman, Amy (Mark) Emrick, Ethan (Alivia) Sinko, Gabriel Sinko and Jillian Sinko; and four great-grandchildren, Noah, Charlotte, Jack and Frankie.

She was predeceased by four older brothers, Jim, George, John, and Bill; and a granddaughter, Lauren Cressman.

Contributions may be made to Lehigh Valley Hospice at www.lvhn.org/give/memorial-gifts. Contributions may be made payable to LVHN with Theresa Lawrence and Hospice on the memo line and sent to Lehigh Valley Health Network Office of Philanthropy, P.O. Box 1883, Allentown, PA 18103.

Arrangements were made by Connell Funeral Home Inc., Bethlehem.