Teresa (Terry) M. Lawrence, 86, of Ashlar Village, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loving friends, her minister, and some of her favorite music on Saturday, April 16, 2016, at MidState Medical Center. For almost seven years Terry has lived at Ashlar Village with her longtime friend and professional colleague, Carolyn King. Terry was born on September 16, 1928 in Brooklyn, New York. She is predeceased by three brothers and three sisters. Terry was blessed to have many nieces and nephews and remained in weekly contact with nieces in Florida and Long Island. After receiving her Master's degree and PhD, Terry had a significant impact on the field of early childhood special education. Terry (Dr. Lawrence) served as a professor at SCSU until her retirement in 1989. Her advocacy for young children with special needs was central to the development of services and regulations for early childhood special education in the state of CT. After retirement, Terry returned to school in Manhattan and in 2004 she became an ordained interfaith minster. Terry's passions included her faith. She was an active and involved member of the Unitarian Society of New Haven. She also loved fishing (always throwing back the fish); travel-being Italian - especially to Italy; and her large circle of friends and her students.

A memorial service will be held at the Unitarian Society of New Haven, 700 Hartford Turnpike, Hamden, on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Unitarian Society of New Haven. To sign the online guestbook please visit hawleylincolnmemorial.com.