Carolyn “Callie” Lawsure

Cape Elizabeth – Carolyn “Callie” Lawsure, 83, passed away on September 29, 2025, in South Portland. Callie was born in Machias, on August 2, 1942, daughter of the late Burt Wood and Arlene (Gatcomb) Greenlaw.

Callie grew up in Downeast Maine, where she was raised by her beloved grandmother, Alma, while her mother worked. She attended local schools and graduated from Machias Memorial High School in 1956. Drawn to helping others, Callie began her nursing training at Maine Medical Center in Portland beginning what became her lifelong vocation.

While visiting home during her schooling, she met the love of her life, Gary Lawsure, who was stationed at a small Air Force Base in Machias. The two married in 1961 and began their adventure together in Japan, where they lived for three years and welcomed two of their children. Upon returning to Maine, Callie completed her nursing program, and she and Gary settled first in York before making Cape Elizabeth their home.

Callie devoted her nursing career to elder care in nursing homes throughout the Portland area. She loved her work, and her patients and colleagues admired her gentle and attentive spirit. At home, she balanced her demanding schedule with being a devoted mother, often working nights so she could spend as much time as possible with her children.

She was an excellent cook and baker, especially known for her cakes and cookies that made holidays and church gatherings extra special. Faith was important to her from a young age, growing up Baptist, and she later found joy serving in her church kitchen during fellowship time with friends.

Callie was happiest in her role as “Nana” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she lovingly spoiled. She enjoyed crafts such as stamping up card making, using her Cricut, and she treasured card nights with close friends like Carolyn Breen. She also enjoyed cruises with Gary, winters in Florida, and the simple pleasure of shopping and sharing a home-cooked meal.

She will be remembered as caring, reserved, gentle, and deeply devoted to her family and friends.

Callie was predeceased by her sister, Patrica Wood; brother, Stanley Wood; daughter, Jennifer Kelton; and mother-in-law, Dorothy L. Burke. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Gary Edward Lawsure; children, Dawn and her husband Craig Munson, Rhonda and her husband Duane Downer, Shawn Lawsure, and Michele Lawsure; grandchildren, Kayla and her husband Johnny Burrows, Kayne Munson, Shelby Downer, Tori and her husband Pablo Santos, Jake and his wife Madison Downer, Candace and her husband Patrick Kane, Rawn Kelton, Haley and her husband Peter Maloney, Sophie Lawsure, Kyle and his wife Samantha Jones and Madison Mills; great-grandchildren, Noa and Mateo Santos, Emma Kane, James and Charlotte Maloney, Luca and Cameron Jones; and many beloved extended family members.

A Graveside Service will be held at 11:30am on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Riverside Cemetery, 533 Spurwink Ave, Cape Elizabeth. A Celebration of Life will begin at 1:00pm at Hope Community Church, 879 Sawyer St, South Portland. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Homes of South Portland, 1024 Broadway, South Portland.