Rita M. McLaughlin

Lowville, N.Y. - Rita M. McLaughlin, 80, died at home on Tuesday morning, Sept. 3, 2013, under the care of her family and Lewis County Hospice.

Rita was born on Oct. 28, 1932, in Watertown, the daughter of the late Harry and Hazel (Karp) Simmons. She grew up on the Swiss Road in Croghan and attended Beaver River High School.

She married Robert McLaughlin Sr. on Aug. 11, 1951, at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Lowville with Rev. Cotter officiating. The couple raised their family in southeastern Connecticut where they resided for over 40 years. Rita was employed at some of the best restaurants in the area in many positions. She and Bob returned to the North Country where they opened Hilltop Bed and Breakfast on State Route 12 in Lowville.

Over the years she and Bob enjoyed traveling around the country as well as to the Azores, a region of Portugal. Their favorite destination was Reno, Nev. where they enjoyed spending time with friends. Robert died on April 28, 2002.

She is survived by her children, Robert Jr. and his wife, Roberta, of New London, Rick and his wife, Lynda, of Duanesburg, N.Y., Russell and his wife, Tracy, of Groton, Rise Balash and Ron Krug of Boonville, N.Y.; her sister and brother-in-law, Marie and Richard Hardy of Lyons Falls, N.Y.; eight grandchildren, Jason Balash and his wife, Jody, Melissa Muha and her husband, Glen, Frank Balash and his wife, Jordan, Sara McLaughlin and Brian Smith, Christopher, Lyndsey, Jenna, and Emily McLaughlin; great-grandchildren, Brooke and Wesley Balash, Alexander Muha, and Mason Smith. Her brothers-in-law, George and Albert McLaughlin and their families; neices and nephews; and her beloved dog, Herki.

The family would like to thank Helen Larkins who for the past five years has given Rita special care and friendship. Also Paul Ingersall, Roxanne Marolf and Robert Swain for Rita's care and Shirley Stogsdill for her special friendship.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at Sundquist Funeral Home, 7676 North State St., Lowville, N.Y. Burial will be in Bourne National Cemetery on Cape Cod, Mass. at a later date.

In lieu flowers, donations may be made to the Lewis County Hospice, 7785 North State St., Lowville, NY 13367.

Online condolences may be sent to www.sundquistfh.com.