Patricia Ann Mclaughlin

Patricia “Pat” Ann McLaughlin, 81, of Mishawaka, passed away Thursday morning, March 29, 2012, in her home.

Pat was born July 28, 1930 in South Bend, a daughter of the late Lawrence and Catherine (Kish) McHugh. She grew up in South Bend where she graduated from John Adams High School in 1949.

On September 1, 1951 Pat married Thomas M. McLaughlin. While Tom was serving in the US Navy they lived in Memphis, Tennessee and in Trinidad before settling in Mishawaka.

Pat was a true Social Worker at heart. Her employment included helping the underprivileged and the handicapped at Logan Industries and served as Director of Phoenix House, Inc.

Pat was a member of St. Monica Catholic Church and the Rosary Society. She also belonged to the Friday Friends Group, Michiana Gem and Mineral Society, Friends of the Mishawaka Library and volunteered for WVPE Public Radio.

Pat loved making soup, was an avid reader and spent extensive time on the phone with her friends. She cherished the wonderful family times at Lake Michigan near Harbert where she loved the sunsets. Tom and Pat have enjoyed camping and traveling in the United States and in Europe. A highlight for Pat this past year was being a recipient of a Hello Gorgeous makeover on Valentine’s Day. This is an organization which helps women dealing with cancer.

Pat’s surviving family includes her husband of over 60 years, Tom; four children, Brian T. McLaughlin of Mishawaka, Michael P. McLaughlin of Santa Barbara, CA, Thomas M. McLaughlin, Jr. of Burlington, WI and Jane E. (Douglas) McLaughlin-Anderson of West Lafayette, IN; a brother, James (Barbara) McHugh of Rockport, TX; three sisters, Marilyn Meier of Peoria, AZ, Kathleen (Bob) Miller of South Bend and Margaret (John) HcHugh-Hawkins of Gold Beach, OR; and seven grandchildren she dearly loved, Chelsea, Sean, Alex, Keely, Taylor, Drew and Colin.

Pat was preceded in death by two infants, John T. and Patricia J. McLaughlin.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 10 am in St. Monica Catholic Church, 222 W. Mishawaka Ave., Mishawaka, with Monsignor Bruce Piechocki officiating. Cremation will follow with burial at a later date in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Mishawaka.

Friends may spend time with Pat’s family Sunday from 2 - 5 pm in Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka, where the Rosary will be prayed at 5 pm. A time of visitation will also be Monday in church one hour prior to the Mass.

Memorials are suggested to Riverbend Cancer Services or St. Monica Church. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home.