Elaine "Chicky" Lawson

Elaine K. Lawson, “Chicky”, was born on May 31, 1949 in Manchester, New Hampshire to Thomas and Vasalike Lalos, and she passed away on August 10, 2026. She graduated from Memorial High School in Manchester and then moved across the county where she attended California State in Northridge, CA and graduated with a B.A. in Anthropology. In 1971 she was commissioned by the United States Air Force Officer Training School, and she served as a transportation officer from 1971-1974. Both sets of grandparents immigrated to America from Greece, and Chicky made them proud with both her education and her service to the country.

During her time in the USAF, she married Charles D. Lawson at Little Rock Air Force Base Chapel on December 1, 1972, and then, after systemic lupus forced her to medically retire in 1974, she spent the next 53 years supporting and following Chuck through his career. Once they settled in DeFuniak Springs, Chicky became involved in the Pilot Club, and she was a member for many years.

Lupus caused a long-time battle for Chicky, from its onset when she was about 25 to the end of her life. Its complications were a constant struggle, but she handled it with resilient fortitude and a determination not to let it hold her back whenever possible.

She was always a lover of animals - especially cats. She never met a cat she didn’t love, and they all loved her back just the same.

Chicky leaves behind her husband of 53 years Charles D. Lawson, cousins Diana Geougeou of Philadelphia, PA and Lisa Devine of Hampton Beach, NH, and aunt Rita Geougeou of Hampton Beach, NH.

She is preceded in death by her parents Thomas K Lalos and Vasalike Geougeou Lalos, brother Tommy Lalos of Berkley, CA and uncle Alex Geougeou of Hampton Beach, NH.

A special gratitude from the family to Gentiva Hospice and staff for the remarkable care given to Chicky. Your kindness is so greatly appreciated.

A time of visitation will be held on Thursday, August 20 from 5-6 PM at McDonald Family Funeral Home. A Memorial service will begin at 6 PM.

A Greek Orthodox service will be held in Manchester, NH at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Chicky’s memory to:

-American Lupus Foundation,

-Alaqua Animal Shelter, or

-DeFuniak Springs Library