Mary Belle Lawless

To live stream Mary's funeral mass go to Saint Theresa Catholic Church's Facebook page. To live stream the graveside service click on the Tribute Wall tab above. Mary Belle Lawless, age 87, passed away on February 5, 2022, in Des Moines, Iowa. Mary Belle Lawless was born September 22, 1934, to Regina and James McPherson. She attended St. John’s Catholic School and graduated from St Joseph’s Academy. She attended Drake University and was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority. She married Jim Lawless in 1954 and from that marriage six children were born, Kathleen, Maureen, Michael, Martha, Kerry and Dan. She worked various jobs but was most proud of her 14 years as a secretary in the Iowa House of Representatives. She was an avid bridge player and enjoyed many years of playing with her friends. In the wintertime, she and Jim enjoyed months spent at Gulf Shores, Alabama and Destin, Florida with friends and family. She loved to sing and spent 26 years singing in the St. Theresa’s choir where she and Jim were members for over sixty years. She enjoyed shopping, was an expert wrapper of presents, participating in the Des Moines Garden Club, gardening with Jim, volunteering at EveryStep Giving Tree Hospice Store, and traveling overseas. Mary Belle is survived by her daughter Maureen (Mike) Spellman, Michael (Marcie) Lawless, Martha Lawless, Kerry (Glenna) Lawless, Dan (Peggy) Lawless and many grand- and great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her loving husband Jim, daughter, Kathleen and grandson, Ryan. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 Thursday, February 10 at Saint Theresa’s Catholic Church in Des Moines. The family will receive guests an hour before the service at Saint Theresa’s Church. Memorial contributions may be given to Saint Theresa’s Foundation.