Noriko "Nori" Hisano Lawrence of Bedford, MA, age 79, passed away on Saturday, December 22, 2018, in the arms of her loving children, after a six-month struggle from the side effects of two strokes.

Noriko was born on October 20, 1939, in a small town near Fukuoka, Japan, to Hanichi and Yoshiko (Okuma) Hisano, and was the eldest of two brothers, Kazuyoshi and Hirofumi, and a sister, Tomoko.  Noriko's father was the proprietor of several local pharmacies; after completing her degree at Kyoto Medical (now Pharmaceutical) University, she followed her father into the family business, helping him manage their stores. Though their town was two hours away from Nagasaki, the family survived World War II.

She married in 1966 and came to America a year later where she was immediately welcomed by her in-laws and extended family. Gentle breezes, fine sand, and warm smiles during summers and holidays in Westport Point, MA brought great delight to Nori and her children. While taking English conversation classes at Hanscom AFB, she made some lifelong friends, and she found supportive communities for herself and her children within her neighborhood and at Immanuel Baptist Church in Bedford. Noriko studied at Middlesex Community College, Northeastern University and the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, where she earned her American pharmaceutical degree and began her 30-year career at the Waltham Weston Hospital pharmacy department before retiring.

Nori was a masterful seamstress, a passion she carried from childhood, and was locally renowned for both the beautiful clothes she designed and sewed for herself and her children (including her daughter's wedding gown) and for helping Bedford High School students tailor their prom dresses.

In retirement, she spent time with friends, attending events at the Bedford Senior Center, salsa dancing and steadfastly participating in exercise classes at her gym—yoga, Pilates, kickboxing, weight lifting, and her favorite, Zumba. She always enjoyed meeting new people and catching up with friends and family. She loved her grandchildren, spent much time with them, and deeply enjoyed watching them grow.

Noriko was the loving mother of Christine Lawrence (Adam Erickson) of Natick and Philip Lawrence (Debbie) of Halifax and devoted grandmother of Sam, Kiyomi, Madeleine, Rachel, and Jesse.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the indefatigable CNAs, nurses, and case managers who took such good care of Noriko in her final year.

A celebration of her life will be held at Bedford Funeral Home on Saturday, January 12, 2018.  Visiting will be at 10:30 am followed by a memorial service at 11:30 am. Donations in her memory may be made in lieu of flowers to the American Stroke Association, 300 5th Avenue, Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02451 or online at www.strokeassociation.org