Irene C. Lawson

August 10, 1942 - January 17, 2019

On January 17, 2019, Irene C. Lawson “Renee” age 76 of the Blackwood Terrace section of Deptford Twp., NJ, formerly of Philadelphia, PA. Devoted mother of Joseph J. Evans Jr. (Gwen), John. J. Evans (Robin), Francis P. Evans (Helena), and Irene (Renee) Duffy (Kevin). Also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Joseph (Megan), Jennifer (Rob), Jessica, Jeffrey, John Jr., Ryan, Sean-Patrick, Francis Jr. (Colleen), Regina Wolf (Ryan), Helena (Ryan), Erin, Shelby, John Magee, Victoria Magee, Ryan Magee, Evan Magee, Kellyann Duffy and Christopher Duffy. Great-grandchildren: Joseph, Nolan, Emily, Francis 3rd, Sophia, Owen, Jaxson, Rylee, Remington, Gemma, Ryan, Carson, Angelina and Dylan. Renee is the former wife of Joseph J. Evans (deceased). Renee will be deeply missed by friends Lorretta Duffy and Janet Pierson as well as Pam Gray, who considered Renee as her mother. Renee is the daughter of Harry T. Lawson and Irene E. Prokopovits (both are deceased). Harry started his career in Mummers in 1928 with the Aqua String Band, he left the band and founded the 12th Ward String Band on May 11, 1938. The band changed their name to the Avalon String Band in 1943. Harry was captain from 1938 until his retirement in 1971. During that time, Harry and Avalon would perform at the annual String Band Show of Shows held at the Philadelphia Convention Hall. It was there, for many years that Harry would dance with his only child, his daughter Renee. Renee treasured each dance, and having grown up on String Band music, could do the Mummers Strut with the best of them. Renee also had a tradition of presenting her father a bouquet of roses on Broad Street on New Year’s Day, a tradition she shared with her children. Harry went on to become an Officer, President and Hall of Fame Member of the Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association. In 1974, Harry passed away and left his band to his daughter Renee, making her the first female owner and President of a string band. At that time, women were not permitted to be a member of a string band and because of that, Avalon’s membership became divided and half refused to acknowledge her interest in the band and sued her in court to take ownership of Avalon. The matter was settled out of court and Renee lost the band. It was then that Renee along with her children and some who stuck by her, including John Siderio went to the Duffy String Band, where she quickly became best friends with Captain Henry Kunzig, Sr. and his wife Betty. Renee, a second-generation Mummer, passed her love for Mummers onto her children and grandchildren. Third generation Lawson Family Mummers - daughter, also named Renee (Duffy), is a member of the Pennsport String Band and just marched in her 35th Mummers Parade. Her son Francis and grandson Francis Jr., (fourth generation Mummer), have both marched in the Fancy Division in costumes handmade by Renee Lawson. Her son’s Joe (at age 4) and John (3), marched in munchkins costumes in 1966 alongside their grandfather Captain Harry Lawson, Avalon String Band with a theme of the Wizard of Oz. Naturally Captain Lawson was the Wizard of Oz. Joe only marched once, but John continued to march and is currently a member of the Ferko String Band. Her grandchildren (fourth generation) John Magee marched as a marshall with the Durning and Ferko String Bands, Victoria Magee marched with the Durning and currently with the Pennsport String Band as a saxophonist, John Jr, Ryan and Sean-Patrick have all marched with their Aunt Renee (Duffy) with the Durning String Band. Renee also handmade costumes for John Jr., which he wore in the Show of Shows when he was 1, 2, and 3 years old. Renee also made costumes for Sean-Patrick. Great-granddaughter Rylee is taking violin lessons and hopefully a fifth generation Mummer. Renee loves animals. Her cats, Mommy cat and her kittens loved Renee back. She often took in strays who she cared for and nurtured. Viewing Wednesday, January 23, 2019, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, at the Earle Funeral Home, 122 W. Church Street, Blackwood, NJ 08012. Interment private. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Palandro Ferry Memorial Foundation by clicking the following link: https://bit.ly/2F9OZs3 (Paypal. In the NOTE section, type Irene Lawson).