Janice V.H. Lawson, 85, formerly of Potsdam, passed away Oct. 1, 2011 at her home in Tucson, Ariz.

She was born in New York, N.Y., on Feb. 3, 1926, the daughter of Fay and Agnes Van Horn.

A longtime resident of Potsdam, she worked as a seamstress for numerous businesses and moved to Tucson with her husband upon their retirement.

She is survived by her sister, Priscilla V.H. Walker, Tucson, Ariz.; one son, Thomas P. Gratton of Fort Wayne, Ind.; two daughters, Priscilla A. Brown and Constance M. Ferguson of Potsdam; also stepchildren Craig W. Lawson of Wilcox, Ariz., Brian J. Lawson of South Bethlehem, N.Y., and Grant M. Lawson of Austin, Texas; 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband of 45 years, former Potsdam Mayor William J. Lawson, and her daughter Lisa Niles.

A memorial service will be held in Tucson Estates Chapel with Rev. Lester McSperry on Oct. 22. Arrangements are entrusted to Abbey Funeral Chapel, Tucson, Ariz.