HERKIMER-Eleanor Mae Lawson age 94 passed unexpectedly on Monday evening March 19, 2018 in Valley Health Services Inc. She was born in a house in Oppenheim, on September 3, 1923 to Burton and Florence Looman Youker. Eleanor and her family lived on a farm in Snells bush working for Corlis Timmerman and Family. She attended a one room school house and later graduated from Little Falls High School. Her family then migrated to Jordanville where her mother and step father worked for Mrs. Robinson at the Robinson Mansion known as Gelston Castle. Eleanor was one of the maids of Mrs. Robinson until she married Charles Thomas Lawson on October 7, 1944 in Jordanville. After her marriage she worked in the Felt Shoe Factory, Little Falls, Daniel Green in Dolgeville and Sperry Rand (UNIVAC) in Ilion. Mrs. Lawson was a hard worker and her family was her life. She made time to be a 4-H leader, working with many kids in the area. In her leisure time she enjoyed crocheting, mending and sewed for her grandchildren. Though her real passion was for farming Eleanor and her husband bought their own dairy farm in 1963 outside of Ilion and operated until Mr. Lawson became ill and passed away on August 11, 1982. She still operated the farm herself until retiring in 1989. At one time, Mrs. Lawson was a member of the Harmony Grange in Dennison Corners and the Eastern Milk Producers. To all who knew her she was a strong, feisty and lovable lady. She will be sadly missed by all. Eleanor is survived by three daughters, Evelyn and husband Howard Barrett of West Winfield, Eleanor and husband Richard Smith of VanHornesville, Barbara and Lee Sterling of Herkimer, ten grandchildren, Sean (Janet) Mowers, Shannon (William) Crisman, John (Kim) Smith, Joshua Smith, Dale (Kathy) Barrett, Heather (Breck Halpin) Barrett, Christian Barrett, Tim (Layla) Sterling, Pamela Sterling and Patricia Sterling, She also has twelve great grandchildren, all very special to Eleanor are Derek, Jamie, Kira, Zackary, Kaley, Rowan, Brayden, Tegan, Ryland, Miranda, Maxwell, Makenzee, Jakory and Jaksyn. Besides her parents Burton and Florence and husband Charles she was preceded in death by her brother, Olin Whitford, in 1971, her step-father, George Whitford in 1969, her brother Robert Whitford, a sister-in-law, Leta Whitford and brother and sister-in-law Dominick and Susie LaPone and a niece, Bonnie Pietrantuono. Eleanor leaves behind a special friend and sister-in-law Mary Whitford and dear friend June Richvalsky and her family, also a niece, Sandra Hoyle. Calling hours for Mrs. Lawson will be on Friday from 4:00 until 7:00 pm in Fenner Funeral Home, Inc., 115 Court Street; Herkimer. A funeral service will follow immediately after at 7:00 pm in the funeral home with Pastor Alan Miller officiating. Interment will take place later this spring in Rural Park Cemetery, Ingham Mills at a time to be announced. Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to a charity of your choice. Calling Hours Fenner Funeral Home Friday, March 23, 2018 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM 115 Court Street Herkimer, NY 13350 Funeral Service Fenner Funeral Home Friday, March 23, 2018 07:00 PM 115 Court Street Herkimer, NY 13350