Jolene M. Lawrence's Obituary
Jolene Marie Lawrence (Winkowski) passed away on January 14, 2026, at the young age of 58, after a courageous battle with glioblastoma (Brain Cancer).
Born on July 6, 1967, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Jolene brought warmth, joy, and love into the lives of everyone who knew her. On April 6, 1991, she married Rege Lawrence, and together they shared 34 years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, commitment, and complete devotion to their family.
She cherished her family, raising four beautiful children, and found pure joy in her role as Grammy to her three beloved grandchildren, eagerly awaiting the arrival of a fourth, treasuring every moment and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Jolene dedicated her life to caring for others, earning her nursing degree at the University of Pittsburgh and later completing her Master's degree. She served as an ICU nurse at UPMC for 25 years before continuing her career there as a Clinical Care Manager, where she was admired for her strong work ethic, teamwork, and commitment.
She had a true zest for life and firmly believed in living for today. She loved traveling, going to concerts, planning get-togethers, and spending time with family and friends. She was often affectionately referred to as "Julie the Activities Director" a nickname that perfectly captured her energy, creativity, and love for bringing people together. She had a love for the beach, where she could relax and soak in life's simple joys. No matter what came her way, she took everything in stride with grace, humor, and resilience.
Jolene faced her illness with remarkable bravery and inspired those around her with her resilience and grit. Though her life was cut far too short, her memory will live on through the countless lives she touched; for to know her was to love her.
Jolene was preceded in death by her mother, Judith Winkowski; her in-laws, Clement and Donna Lawrence; and her sister-in-law, Kim Carrick (Lawrence).
She is survived by her devoted husband, Rege Lawrence; her father, Elmer "Duke" Winkowski; her four children, Matthew (Jenna) Lawrence, Courtney (Tyler) Lawrence, Jordan (Logan) Lawrence, and Justin Lawrence; and her three cherished grandchildren, Isaac, Charlotte, and Isabella. She is also survived by her sister, Diane (Jon) Schlegel; her brother, Jason (Jen) Winkowski; her brothers-in-law, Todd (Patty) Lawrence, Scott (Sandy) Lawrence, and Dale Carrick; and 14 beloved nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026 from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pittsburgh, 15236. A memorial service will take place on Tuesday, January 20 at 10:00 am in the funeral home's chapel.
Online condolences may be shared at https://www.jeffersonmemorial.com.
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