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Sandra Elaine Laughlin, 74, of Murrysville, formerly of Latrobe, passed away peacefully Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018, at home, with her beloved family by her side. She was born Dec. 9, 1943, in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late Roland Edward and Florence Rose (Lauer) Laughlin. Prior to retiring, Sandra was employed for 38 years as a math teacher at the Penn-Trafford High School. She served as president of the Penn-Trafford Education Association and the Westmoreland County Education Association. Sandra was loved by everyone and will be fondly remembered by many for her warmth and willingness to help anyone. Her family and friends were very important to her, as was the time she spent with them. She enjoyed traveling, bicycling and was a member of "The Domino Divas." In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Ted Plucinski. Sandra will be dearly missed by her loving sister, Pat Plucinski, of Murrysville; nephew, James Plucinski (Lesley); nieces, Susan Rupert (Eddie) and Lisa Wissinger (Kevin); great-nieces and great-nephews, Madison Plucinski, Logan Rupert, Owen Wissinger and Dylan Wissinger; and many special friends, including best friend, Deborah Leighty.
Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the VAIA FUNERAL HOME INC., 463 Athena Drive, Delmont, 724-468-1177. A funeral liturgy outside of Mass for Sandra will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday in St. John Baptist de la Salle Catholic Church, 497 Athena Drive, Delmont. Everyone please go directly to the church.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Sandra's memory may be made to American Cancer Society, 320 Bilmar Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, or Action for Animals Humane Society, PO Box 814, Latrobe, PA 15650. Please write "Sandra Laughlin" on check memo line. To send online expressions of sympathy, obtain grief support information or directions, please visit www.VaiaFuneralHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Vaia Funeral Home, Inc.
My deepest condolences to the family, may you find comfort and strength from the God of all comfort in this difficult time (Isiah 25:8)
September 14, 2018
We offer our condolences. We pray in your behalf, and we offer the hope of welcoming back our loved ones on a Paradise earth. Psm 37:29
August 4, 2018
Please family, accept my condolences. May God give you comfort during your time of sorrow. Jeremiah 2:11 assures that God has provided a hope for a future earth without pain and sorrow. May you entertain the hope of seeing your love one, Sandra Laughlin, again.
V.E.
July 14, 2018
Ms Laughlin was such a sweet person. Her smile was infectious. She was my basketball coach 76'-79'. She was a good coach, and seemed to really enjoyed teaching us. When i think of her, I remember some of the silly antics we did and she would just smile and shake her head. RIP Coach Laughlin.
Jeannie Durik
January 23, 2018
When I think of Ms. Laughlin I immediately smile. She was one of our basketball coaches at PT and had such an easy-going way about her. I remember one practice when we were lined up to shoot free throws and she suddenly pulled a sock out of her shirt that had been stuck in there all day. She just busted out laughing--so dang funny!! My heart goes out to her dear friends and family for the immense loss of such a great person.
Patty Palchak Emling
January 20, 2018
Ms. Laughlin was a wonderful teacher and coach. She had a way of bringing out the best in her students and athletes without ever raising her voice. She was very much appreciated. I am very sorry for your loss. Peace.
Julie Thurn Gluck
January 19, 2018
Ms. Laughlin was such a great teacher! Sending thoughts and prayers to her friends and family.
Jason Voltz
January 18, 2018
Ms Laughlin was one of my favorite teachers at PTHS. I had her for ninth grade geometry after a rocky eighth grade year in algebra. She had an endless well of patience and a gift for teaching. She touched many lives through the classroom. My prayers go out to her family and loved ones.
Amy Whetsel (Teti)
January 17, 2018
I was fortunate to have known Sandy as both my coach and my teacher. Her easy going personality, ready smile, and quick wit made her a joy to be around. I'm blessed to have known her.
Grace Clair
January 16, 2018
Ms. Laughlin was a wonderful teacher and person. I took geometry from her in 10th grade during the 1991-92 school year, and loved her class, even though I was not a fan of math at the time. I applied what I learned in her geometry class to my drawing and developed my own, very geometrical, style of art, that I continue to use through this day. I will be eternally grateful to her for that. May she Rest In Peace.
Kristin Barriga
January 16, 2018
Sandy was such a kind and friendly neighbor. Peace and love to her family and friends. She will be missed.
Dale & Kelli Glessner
January 16, 2018
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon her.
May she rest in peace.
Amen.
john mathis
January 16, 2018
Dear Plucinski Family:
I am so very sorry about Sandy. I know how much you all loved her and she obviously loved you all back just as much. You are all in my prayers.
Sue Petrick
January 16, 2018
Sandy was my coach, my neighbor, a mentor and my friend. She was often quiet and pensive as she thought before she spoke. She had a beautiful smile that enveloped her eyes. We had many memories, adventures and laughs over the years. I thank her for her time when she coached our Basketball teams. This was just before and directly after Title Nine. Her involvement and leadership helped shape us going forward in our own lives. She could say volumes with a simple nod of her head. I wish for you beautiful, wondrous peace, you will be missed.
Susan Syster
January 16, 2018
Memory Eternal, Sandy...be at peace...
Rick and. Vanessa Baugh
Vanessa Baugh
January 16, 2018
our deepest condolences.sandi was an excellent teacher . i was proud to have worked with her.
mike and maryann allshouse
michael allshouse
January 15, 2018
Sending love and prayers.
Arletta Behary
January 15, 2018
Kay H
January 15, 2018
Sandy was a wonderful person and a good friend from Penn Hills. She will be missed by everyone who knew her. Hugs and love to her dear family. Jean Oertel.
Jean Oertel
January 15, 2018
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