Anita Mary McLaughlin

Anita Mary McLaughlin, age 96, was born on July 27, 1929, in Chuquicamata, Antofagasta, Chile, and passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025, in Cary, North Carolina. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Anita married the love of her life, John McLaughlin, in 1958. They were longtime residents of Libertyville, Illinois, where they raised their family, later relocating to Morehead City, North Carolina, after retirement.

Anita lived a long and grace-filled life devoted to her family, her faith, and the many students she inspired during her years as a dedicated teacher.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Franz and Mary Rudershausen; her husband, John McLaughlin; her sister, Katherine McCleary; her brother, Charles Rudershausen; and her daughter, Kathy McLaughlin.

She is lovingly remembered by her children: Ruth McLaughlin, Lucie Bodine (Greg), John McLaughlin (Nicole), and Charles McLaughlin (Maureen); her grandchildren: Josef Bodine (Cambria), Jonathan McLaughlin, Anna Pollock, Elizabeth Bodine-Melzer (Steven), Andrew Bodine, Emily Sotiropoulos (Steve), Sean McLaughlin, Lauren McLaughlin, Stephanie Phillips (Nick), and John McLaughlin; and her great-grandchildren: Audrey Pollock, Remy Bodine, and Lacey Melzer.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church in Apex, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Martha's Mission Cupboard in Morehead City, NC.

Anita found joy in the simple beauty of life—reading a good book, walking in the woods or along the ocean, tending to her flower gardens, and watching the birds. Her gentle spirit, deep faith in God, and unwavering love for her family will be cherished and remembered always.