Caroline McLaughlin

Caroline McLaughlin

Caroline McLaughlin, 60, North Loup, Neb., died July 10, 2008, at Bryan LGH East Medical Center, Lincoln, Neb. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 15, at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck, with the Rev. Steve Sathre officiating.

Caroline Maude McLaughlin was born May 1, 1948, in Bismarck to Lester and Dorothy (Songstad) McLaughlin. She attended elementary school in Bismarck and graduated from Bismarck High School in 1966. She graduated from Minot State University in 1971 with a bachelor's degree in special education. Her first teaching job was in Albion, Neb. She then worked for ESU 10. Caroline received her master's degree from the University of Nebraska, Kearney, in 1977. She began teaching special education at North Loup Scotia in the fall of that year and later also assumed the duties of speech/language pathologist. The remainder of her teaching career was spent at North Loup Scotia teaching children from pre-school through grade 12. Even after graduation, students continually called her for advice and assistance. Caroline was an active member of North Loup Scotia Education Association and assumed many leadership roles within that organization. She sponsored the NLS Student Council and was co-sponsor of the class of 2010.

She enjoyed the Christmas holiday season, celebrating birthdays and loved gardening as evidenced by the many plants and flowers in her yard, but her passion was for teaching and learning. Caroline shared her talents with children in many ways including Special Olympics, therapeutic riding, summer school, tutoring and working before and after school. She was an avid reader and believer in life-long learning. Her knowledge and compassion for others was as special as her students were to her. She shared her unique gift through her dedication and commitment to education. She was a mentor and inspiration to her colleagues.

Caroline is survived by her mother, Dorothy McLaughlin, Max; one brother and sister-in-law, Edwin and Naomi McLaughlin, Pelican Rapids, Minn.; a special friend, Kathy Rakness, North Loup; one nephew, Corey and wife, Brenda Langness; and two great-nieces, Kayla and Brittany, both of Fargo. She was also a special friend, sister and mentor to the Rakness family. Ms. McLaughlin is also survived by countless students whose lives have been touched forever.

She was preceded in death by her father, Lester McLaughlin.

Memorials are suggested to North Loup High School General Scholarship Fund.

Go to www.eastgatefuneral.com to share memories of Caroline and sign the online guest book.