Viewing: Sunday (1/10) 2-4 & 7-9 PM
Prayer Service: Sunday (1/10) 8 PM
Crematory: Green-Wood (Brooklyn, NY) PRIVATE

- - - COMPLIMENTARY VALET PARKING AVAILABLE - - -

Some knew her as the loving, kind lady with the bun, some as god-mom, some as friend. But above all the names she was known to family as mom, grandma, and GiGi. Alta Lawless-Martin was born on May 24, 1928 in Brooklyn, New York to Aldina Cannon and Jesse James Cannon. She transitioned to heaven on January 6, 2016.

Alta considered Brooklyn home. She was born in Brooklyn and raised her family in Brooklyn as well. She graduated from the Girls High School. Alta's life was devoted to raising her children. She had a passion for other children besides her own. Caring for others became her ministry throughout her adult life. She took care of countless children who are now adults with their own children. Alta worked as an advocate in afterschool with the Lutheran Center. Her compassion stretched to include the wider community through overseeing operations with Meals on Wheels in Bay Ridge.

Alta met no strangers. She was a friend to the community. Her love for others was reflected in her generosity and wisdom. She was candid, yet caring. She was energetic, easy going; she loved family and loved to have fun. In her pastime, Alta enjoyed knit-ting, crocheting, collecting jewelry, and going to the casinos. She enjoyed cooking and baking in her leisure as well. Alta lived out loud and without regret.

Alta is survived by her son, Rocco Lawless; grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great-grandchildren. Alta has a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that she adores. Alta made friends easily and believed in cultivating these relationships, old and new.

Alta is widowed by Edward Martin and preceded in death by her siblings Dorothy Cannon, Lillian Cannon, Mary Elizabeth Atwell, Jesse Cannon; ex-husband Sidney Lawless and her daughter Wanda Lawless-Martin.