Eleanor Grace McLaughlin

Eleanor Grace McLaughlin
McLaughlin, Eleanor Grace (nee Hollowell) died on February 17, of Riverton, NJ, formerly of Riverside. Beloved wife of the late John L. McLaughlin. Loving mother of John (Janice) of Hi-Nella, NJ and Robert of South Colton, NY. Loving grandmother to Thomas and James of Hi-Nella, NJ. She is survived by her sister Ruth Ann Larr of Orlando, FL, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by sisters Doris and Alice and brothers William, George, and Jack.
Grace grew up in West Philadelphia and graduated in 1947 from John Bartram High School where she played on the field hockey and girls' basketball teams. Mutual friends introduced her to John McLaughlin of Palmyra, NJ and the couple married in 1951, just ten days before John shipped-out to Korea in the U. S. Army. After he returned from Korea, Grace and John purchased a home in Riverside, NJ and raised two sons. Grace was active in her church, Delanco Presbyterian, and served as an elder for many years.
She was the kind of person who made everyone feel welcome in her home. As she was used to cooking for a large crowd growing up, no one left a dinner at the McLaughlin house without a lot of leftovers! Grace was always curious, always learning, and very fond of books, particularly history and biography. She often "adopted" the neighbor kids, giving them gifts, especially books. After her boys were both in school, she completed college courses at night and became a preschool teacher for two or three years.
The McLaughlin backyard was full of bird houses, bird feeders, shrubs and trees. Grace enjoyed watching the birds from her kitchen window. She instilled in her sons and grandsons a love of the natural world. When we hear birds singing in the morning, we will always think of Mom.
Arrangements are being handled by Sweeney Funeral Home, 337 Bridgeboro St., Riverside, NJ 08075 (phone 856-461-1116). Visitation will be held there on February 23, at 9:30 – 10:30 AM, followed by a service at 11:00 AM at Beverly Presbyterian Church, 121 East Warren St., Edgewater Park, NJ 08010. Interment Lakeview Memorial Park, Cinnaminson NJ. Donations in Grace's memory, in lieu of flowers, may be made to: Riverview Estates, Attention – Business Office, Kathy Smyth, 303 Bank Ave., Riverton, NJ 08077.