Andrea Kay Nightingale Hawkins Laceby

Andrea Kay Nightingale Hawkins Laceby, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2024, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, her birthplace. She was 81 years old. Andrea was born to Andrew and Edna (Hall) Nightingale on February 17, 1943, and was the oldest sister in a close-knit family of five siblings.

Andrea is survived by her children: Rhonda Hall (Stephen), Shelley Hawkins, and Joseph Laceby. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Andrea Biscardi (Fred), Jon Little (Lorie), Bryant Little (Kathryn), and Megan Brown (Jake), as well as her adored great-grandchildren: Willow Biscardi, Emma Little, Brody Wilson, Haskell Brown, Ellie Little, Johnny Little, Cullen Little, and Lainey Little. Her sister, Rose Boone, also survives her.

Andrea was preceded in death by her husbands, George Russell Hawkins and Larry Charles Laceby, and her stepson, Lawrence Laceby.

Andrea's life was marked by love, resilience, and a deep commitment to family. She married George Russell Hawkins at the tender age of 17, and he lovingly drove her to her last year of high school. Despite an age difference of nine years, their marriage flourished, and they kept it a secret until they were ready to wed. They bought their first house together, where they raised their children, creating a home filled with warmth and joy. They took family vacations with friends, and Andrea delighted in entertaining her children's friends, often feeding them and making her famous Kool-Aid popsicles. Their home was a haven for everyone, with an open door policy that welcomed all.

Andrea's talent as a seamstress was unparalleled. She made all the dresses for weddings in the family and could create anything with a needle and thread. She was the family's historian, always knowing and sharing the family's stories. Her sisters looked up to her as the leader of the family, and she cared for her parents in their later years, hosting holidays and gatherings that brought everyone together. Andrea was the matriarch, beautiful and kind, fiercely loving her family and being deeply invested in their lives. Her home was a place of order and love, where chaos and politics were not allowed.

Travel was a passion Andrea shared with her second husband, Larry. They explored the world together, visiting India, Hawaii, Italy, Greece, Australia, and Paris, among other places. Andrea combined her love of travel with her sewing business, buying fabrics from different countries and creating beautiful pieces that contributed to her business's success.

Andrea's life was full of friendships, love, and pride in her family. She was incredibly proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and cherished the time spent with them, many of whom spent their summers with her. Her life was a testament to the love and joy she brought to those around her. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her kindness, beauty, and the fierce love she had for her family.

Rest in peace, Andrea Kay Nightingale Hawkins Laceby. Your legacy of love and warmth will live on in the hearts of all who knew you.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Porta Caeli House in memory of Andrea Laceby. https://cceok.org/donate/ 

A celebration of Andrea's life will be held 10:00am, Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at Schaudt's Tulsa Funeral Service Chapel, 5757 South Memorial Drive, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74145. A reception will follow services at the Owasso Community Center, 301 South Cedar Street, Owasso, Oklahoma 74055.