Martha E. Lawlor

Martha E. Lawlor, 93, longtime Laramie resident, died on February 8, 2024 in Cheyenne.
Martha Elizabeth Hagberry, the youngest child, and only daughter of Frank and Oma Van Meter Hagberry, was born on May 22, 1930 in Cody. Her father and grandfather had homesteaded in the Meeteetse area. With her parents and brother, Martha lived on the homestead during her youngest years. She had many cats, dogs, and horses, including her own pony, Tar Baby. Her love for animals continued throughout her life. She attended the one-room Dick Creek School, located about ten miles up Wood River, until the family moved to Cody, aka “town.”
After graduating from Cody High School in 1948, Martha attended Denver University, earning a BA in theater. There, she met her then-husband Dale, a fellow student. In the summer of 1955, the family, with the addition of daughter, Beth, moved to Laramie.
After deciding to further her education, she attended library school at Denver University. She earned her MLS (Master of Library Science) in 1964. During that year, she stayed at her in-laws’ home in Denver, coming home to Laramie most weekends. She then started working part-time, probably at University Prep library. During this time, she began to work on earning her MFA (Master of Fine Arts) from UW. She filled the house with many sculptures (including a large welded metal one!), pottery, and paintings. After earning her MFA in 1969, she began working at UW’s Coe Library in 1970 where she held various professional positions, until her retirement in 1994.
Throughout her lifetime Martha traveled to Europe, New Zealand, and many places in the U.S. Having practically grown up on its doorstep, she particularly loved Yellowstone Park. She was a ribbon-winning member of the Laramie Garden Club for many years. Given her passion for theater arts, she attended many, many UW live theater performances. She also amassed a huge collection of movies and books relating to Hollywood and theater. In size, her collection rivaled that of the Smithsonian. Along with family, and dear friends Joan Trotter, Peggy Fester and their families, there were many picnics, hikes, and exploring on the bumpy, dusty back roads of the Snowy Range, Pole Mountain, and all the beautiful places around Laramie. When the season finally arrived, Mom especially loved to go “wildflower exploring” in those same places.
In her later years, when she was unable to travel, Mom enjoyed the company of numerous books and numerous kitty cats. Her family believes she was trying to live up to the stereotype of crazy cat lady with hundreds of books. She has passed on that tendency to daughter Beth, granddaughter Ellie, and possibly other family members.
Martha is survived by daughter Beth Fiedler, grandchildren Ellie Guthrie, Kate Zdanski (Stefan), Doug Fiedler (Ashley), and Maggie Graham (Carter). She is also survived by eleven great-grandchildren – Ellie, Katrina, Lutia, Conor, Olivia, Penny, Liam, Charlotte, Cora, Alexander, and Violetta. In addition, she is survived by long-time friends Joan Trotter, Paul Weir, and Mark Owens.
Martha was preceded in death by her parents, brother Frank, infant brother Jack, son-in-law Ned Fiedler, and grandson Andrew Fiedler.
Martha’s family has chosen a simple cremation, which has taken place. In lieu of a memorial service, ashes will be scattered in the Range, and the Pole Mountain area in late spring or in the summer.
The family wishes to thank Aspen Wind Assisted Living for their kind care of Martha over the last couple of years.
Please consider sending memorial donations to LAWS (Laramie Animal Welfare Society), or to the Albany County Public Library.