Joni Lawlor

Joni Malynn Stafford Lawlor
1956-2018

Our beloved daughter, mother, sister, and wife returned home to her Father in Heaven unexpectedly February 6, 2018.

Joni was born on May 21, 1956, to Diane and William Stafford.

She is a mother of four children, and a grandmother to six. They were the light of her life and she valued family above all else. She was known for her huge family dinners and was an amazing cook who always sent everyone home with huge bags of leftovers. She loved sharing practical jokes with son Jared, traveling to Costa Rica to visit daughter Gena, crafts with daughter Alexandra and watching horror movies with son Parker.

Joni was known for her great generosity and ability to make those around her feel loved. She was a good Samaritan and often provided food, shelter and clothing to the less fortunate. She worked within the Salt Lake recovery community for many years helping substance abusers to achieve sobriety.

Her passions were music, fashion, interior design and antiques. She was and amazing singer along with her sister, Julie Terry. In their teens they won the Eugene Jelesnik Talent showcase and the opportunity to serve as warmup singers for the Osmond Brothers. Joni brought the fashion runways of New York. In her early twenties Joni modeled for ZCMI. Joni did not lead a dull life by any means. As an adult she was a successful salesperson with the Joseph Magnin Clothing Store, Broyhill Furniture Company and Litigators Overnight. In her later years she was a teacher at Starbrite Kids day care center.

She was a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints and an active member of the 27th East Salt Lake City Ward. She loved the gospel and her favorite spiritual book was Jesus the Christ by James E. Talmage. She was also a much-loved member of Alcoholics Anonymous for many years. Although these two worlds seemed vastly different, she embodied the spirit of unconditional love practiced by both.

Her laugh and flamboyant style will be missed by all. She was married for 18 years to Michael Lawlor and raised 2 great kids with him. This last year she had become very close to her mother and shared many great laughs together, as they watched some of their favorite shows.

Preceded in death by father, William Stafford, brother Billy Stafford, and nephews Zach Merold, Chaskin Chidester, and niece Vanessa Stafford. She is survived by Mother, Diane Stafford, sister, Julie Terry, children Jared Terry, Gena Khajavi, Alexandra Merritt, and Parker Allen, and her six grandkids.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 15, 2018, 1:00 p.m. at the Brighton Point Chapel, 3455 E. Bengal Blvd. (7600 S.).  A visitation will be held Thursday prior to services at the church from 12-12:45 p.m. Interment Mountain View Memorial Estates.