HUNNEWELL, Rosalind Lawrence died early Monday morning on January 27, 2025 in Newton, Massachusetts. Born in Boston on March 4, 1941. She was 83.
The loving wife of Arnold Welles Hunnewell (1927 - 2019), she was the daughter of Edward Williams Lawrence of Brookline, MA and Rosalind Rogers Lawrence of Fall River, MA. She prepared for college at Miss Porter’s School in Farmington, CT with the class of 1959 and received her bachelor of arts from Wellesley College. A recipient of high academic honors in history of art at Wellesley, Rosalind graduated in 1963. For a little over a year, she worked in the Paintings Department at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, conducting research into new acquisitions and major works of the collection. It was during her time there that she met Arnold and they were married in 1964.
A devoted wife and mother, Ros dedicated much of her life to raising their three children and caring for their beloved home ‘Indian Farm’ in South Natick, MA. Ros was smart, determined and talented. She taught herself to grow roses, keeping a lovely perennial garden of them. She kept chickens next to it, often bringing fresh eggs to neighbors and friends. She could make clothes, which she did in her sun-filled sewing room. And throughout, Ros was a gracious hostess of family and friends, providing for countless memorable gatherings at Indian Farm.
In 1990, Ros returned to the Museum of Fine Arts, this time as a member of the Ladies’ Committee, now known as the MFA Associates. An active member for 30 years, she became closely involved in their signature festival, Art in Bloom, serving as its chair from 1992 - 1994. She also led gallery tours at the museum, cultivating her deep love of art history. In addition, Ros spent 15 years as a library volunteer for the Massachusetts Horticulture Society. In 2021, she received their Silver Medal in recognition of her diligent historical research and years of service in the library.
Along with her physical beauty, Ros will be remembered for her graceful, kind and sensitive nature.
She is survived by her three children: Amory P. Julian and her husband Chris C. Julian of Cohassett, MA; Arnold (Tom) W. Hunnewell and his wife Jen Hunnewell of South Natick, MA; Robin W. Hunnewell and her husband Chris W. Dilworth of Somerville, MA; four grandchildren Meredith H. Julian, Tobias A. Julian, Abigail W. Hunnewell and Charlie C. Hunnewell. Her younger brother, Christopher Harwood Lawrence, predeceased her.
To celebrate Rosalind’s life and share memories of her, her children plan to have a small private gathering of friends and family in Westport Harbor.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Rosalind’s memory to the Massachusetts Audubon Society, 208 South Great Rd, Lincoln, MA 01773.