New York - RICHMONDVILLE - Aranka "Cookie" V. Lawyer, 84, of Robert Street, died Friday, Nov. 15, 2019, at home, surrounded by her family.

She was born on June 4, 1935, in New York City, the daughter of Frank and Aranka (Kubinyi) Vincze. In 1947, her family moved from New York City to Laurens, where they lived on and operated a dairy farm.

She graduated from Laurens Central School and went on to attend SUNY Oneonta, obtaining both her bachelor's and master's degrees in education.

Cookie retired following 31 years of teaching English at the former Richmondville Central School, where she was revered by students and staff members alike.

Gathering with family and friends was her passion. Annual events on the family farm, including Cousin's Campout during the summer and the Bobs' Lodge Camp Clambake on Labor Day weekend, were among her favorites. Travel to destinations in Florida, Maine, Alaska, California, Arizona, Canada and Hungary brought joy to Cookie, her husband, Bob, family and friends.

She was a member of Alpha Psi Sorority, an international society for key women educators and the Schoharie County Retired Teachers Association.

Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her son, Jeffrey Lawyer and sister, Clara Layman.

Cherishing her memories are her husband, Robert R. Lawyer, who she married March 28, 1959; son, Robert (Lisa) Lawyer Jr. of Lake Placid, daughter-in-law, Lyn Lawyer of Cobleskill; sister, Annie (Paul) Constantine of Dansville; two brothers-in-law, Douglas Layman of Laurens and William Lawyer of Oneonta; four grandchildren, Robert Lawyer III of Tupper Lake, Amber Lawyer of Syracuse and Haley and Kyle Lawyer of Cobleskill; and several cousins and their families.

Family and friends are invited to a period of visitation to be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, at Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home 171 Elm St., Cobleskill.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at the United Methodist Church in Richmondville. Burial will be in Richmondville Rural Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Cookie's name may be made to Aranka V. Lawyer Scholarship Fund. The fund was established to continue her legacy in education and to benefit local students attending in the Cobleskill-Richmondville school district. Contributions may be made at or mailed to any branch of the Bank of Richmondville, P.O. Box 130, 284 Main St., Richmondville, NY 12149.

Online condolences may be made at www.merenessputnamfuneralhome.com.