Johan F. (Mullaly) Lawler, 83, of Fort Myers, Florida, formerly of New Bedford, passed away Thursday March 13, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.  She was the wife of Brian J. Lawler.

Born in Wareham, the daughter of the late Florence and Elmer MacKenzie and John Mullaly, she lived in New Bedford for most of her life before retiring to Florida.

Johan was formerly employed as the financial officer of state and federal programs for the New Bedford Public School Department until her retirement.  She had also been the coordinator of volunteers for the Christmas toy program at the Salvation Army.  In her retirement, she and her husband traveled extensively.

Johan was a great wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. Her life was defined by kindness, understanding, honesty, strength, commitment, humor and most of all love. She was loved and adored by everyone who knew her. She enjoyed playing mahjong, trading puzzles, reading books, and making reservations for gatherings of family and friends.  She was one of the original founders of the annual New Bedford Days in Florida.

She is survived by her husband, Brian; her daughters, Stacey Hathaway and her husband Blaine, and Kerri Smith; her sons, Brendan Lawler and his wife Lisa, Barry Lawler and his wife Tracy, and Paul Lawler and his wife Phiory; her sisters, Virginia Morrison and Rae Ellen Donohue; and her dear friend, Joan Swain, who was like her sister.  She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Devan Oliver, Jason Oliver, Jr., Brett Hathaway, Taylor Lawler, Jillian Lawler, Taber Lawler, Asher Lawler, Adin Lawler, and Aria Lawler; her great-grandchildren, Landon Oliver, Julius Oliver, and Maya Alves; and nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her daughter, LeeAnn Walsh and her husband Douglas; and her brother, Ross MacKenzie.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday April 4th at 10 AM at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 121 Mt. Pleasant St., New Bedford.  Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery.  Visiting hours will be on Thursday April 3rd from 4-7 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford.  In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Salvation Army, 619 Purchase St., New Bedford, MA 02740. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.