Kathryn McLaughlin

Kathryn McLaughlin died on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at 1:45 am at Lacon Rehab and Nursing, at age 98.  We thank God for the time He gave her to be with us.

She graduated from Rosary College in River Forest, IL with a degree in English and French.  She was an interpreter for an Import/Export business in NYC.   During WWII she was a Wave in the Navy and was stationed in San Diego. She met her college roommates’ brother, Dennis J. McLaughlin, in NYC after the war where they fell in love.  They were married on July 12, 1947 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.  They moved to Peoria in 1947 where they started their family.

Surviving are six children: Michael (Lisa) McLaughlin, Mary Ellen (Alan) DeBord, Katie (Wade) White, Patrick J. McLaughlin, Martin J. McLaughlin and Peter A. McLaughlin, nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis J. McLaughlin, in 2013, her son Dennis J. McLaughlin II in 1948, her granddaughter Mary Elizabeth DeBord in 1986, parents and two brothers.

Kathy earned two Masters Degrees, one from Bradley and one from ISU and began teaching Special Education from which she retired at age 72.  She loved her students and fellow teachers.  She loved living on the Illinois River watching the migratory fowl each season and all our pets from dogs to ducks.  She loved life, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and learning and she skied until she was 80.  “Go look it up” was her response to our questions around the dinner table.  Encyclopedias and dictionaries were well used in the McLaughlin household.  Singing and music were a big part of the joy and happiness in our family.  Faith and love were the cornerstones of Mom and Dad’s marriage. She’s been called home by God, and couldn’t wait to see Dad, family and friends.

A funeral Mass will be offered at St. Edwards Catholic Church in Chillicothe, IL on Saturday at 11:00 am, September 4th, 2021.

We want to express our gratitude to all the workers at St. Joseph’s Home/Lacon Rehab and Nursing for all the kind and compassionate care given and shown Mom over the last eight years.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Kathryn McLaughlin’s name to St. Edward’s School. Online condolences  be made through www.weberhurdfuneralhome.com.

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