Nancy (Lawrence) Alves

born on March 27, 1962, in Providence, RI, passed away peacefully in her home on September 26, 2025. Nancy lived a life dedicated to both her family and her community, leaving an indelible mark through her humble demeanor and generous, uplifting spirit.

Nancy had a magnetic spirit that people gravitated towards; a sparkle and inner strength that radiated from her. Nancy made even the most mundane tasks--like folding laundry, grocery shopping, or long trips in the car--fun. Creativity was one of her biggest strengths, for she loved to paint, color, sculpt, craft, tell stories, and sing. Some of her favorite hobbies included reading, watching a good TV series, baking Tollhouse Cookies and Chex Mix, singing along to show tunes and musicals, collecting “treasures,” and swimming in the ocean.

Nancy was her daughters’ first and loudest cheerleader, often seen front and center at Girl Scouting events, band and chorus concerts, track and field meets, lacrosse games, and various award ceremonies. She instilled in her girls a sense of quiet confidence, fueled by her unconditional and unwavering love. Many friends and family will remember Friday game nights, backyard (and beach) birthday parties, silly games she invented, and the magic she brought to holidays. When her late mother was ill, Nancy became her caretaker. When her granddaughter was born, Nancy became her beloved “GiGi,” bringing her on adventures to a nearby playground or beach and always stopping for a yummy treat. Nancy loved with her whole being.

A proud graduate of South Kingstown High School and the New England Institute of Technology, Nancy embraced learning and growth throughout her life. She navigated the historically male-dominated field of information technology with strength, innovation, and grit. At the pinnacle of her career, Nancy most recently contributed to the Department of the Navy, where she on a talented team of civil servants establishing technological advancements and protocols. Her commitment to her profession was matched only by her devotion to family, whom she considered her foundation and greatest source of strength.

Beyond her career achievements, Nancy devoted much of her time to volunteering, supporting organizations such as the Jonnycake Center, the Narragansett Lions Club, the American Heart Association, and Save The Bay. Her service to others reflected her kind-hearted nature and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in her community. When she set her mind to something, she made sure it happened–a lesson we can always live by.

Nancy is survived by her partner, Michael A. Trautman; her daughters Dr. Catherine Lawrence Alves, and her husband Mitchell Gregory Champlin, Victoria Johnson Alves, and Jessica Lynn Trautman; her brother, James R. Lawrence, and his wife Lynn; her sister, Catherine H. Lawrence, and her partner Lewis Marrapese; her nieces, Amy Baxter and Allison Lawrence; her great-nieces, Bella Barber and Charlotte Baxter; and her beloved granddaughter, Sophie Elizabeth Alves Champlin. Nancy is predeceased by her father, Senator Edward J. Lawrence, and mother, Shirley Johnson Armstrong.

To Nancy, Mom, Moo, MooMoo, Nanny Goat, Nanny, Doggy, Nanc, GiGi: thank you and we love you. We’ll look for you in the blooming flowers, the changing leaves, the moonlight magic, and the calm ocean.

A celebration of Nancy's Life will be held on November 8, from 3-7 pm at the Mettatuxet Yacht Club, 36 South River Road, Narragansett, RI 02882. The family requests that folks come prepared to share stories and photographs. Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to the Jonnycake Center for Hope, 22 Kersey Road, Peace Dale, RI 02879.