Barbara Anne McLaughlin
Barbara Anne McLaughlin
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Barbara McLaughlin Obituary
November 6, 1937 – December 28, 2025
Barbara Anne McLaughlin of St. Charles, Illinois, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family. She went gently to be reunited with those who went before her.
Born on November 6, 1937, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, Barbara was the only child of Anne and John Merrick. She graduated from St. Catherine of Siena High School and West Chester University, and devoted her life to education, faith, and service.
Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Martin Joseph McLaughlin Sr., and her youngest son, James Michael McLaughlin. Their passing never diminished her grace, strength, or love for others.
A devoted teacher for 23 years at St. Patrick's Catholic School in St. Charles, Barbara touched countless lives through her kindness, encouragement, and unwavering care for her students.
She is survived by her children: Kathleen McLaughlin of Barrington, Patricia (Thomas) Swanson of Ponte Vedra, Florida, and Martin (Kathleen) McLaughlin of Barrington Hills. Barbara was a proud grandmother to eleven grandchildren and two great grand children.
Barbara's life was rich with friendship. She cherished her St. Patrick's colleagues, her Ocean City and West Chester friends, and those who walked beside her in recent years. Their love filled her days with laughter and meaning.
Above all, Barbara was a woman of deep faith. She lived to serve others, rarely thinking of herself, always offering care, encouragement, and a helping hand. She found her greatest joy in her family and in being present for her grandchildren-traveling endlessly to cheer them on in sports, theater, and life.
Barbara will be remembered as gentle, faithful, selfless, funny and deeply loving. The family offers heartfelt thanks to her caregivers, who treated her with dignity, compassion, and love during her final years at home.
She will be forever missed and forever loved. We take comfort in her faith, knowing that she's with our Heavenly Father.
Visitation will be held Sunday, January 4 th from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. at Yurs Funeral Home 405 E Main Street St. Charles. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 A.M. Monday January 5 th at St. Patrick Church 400 Cedar Street St. Charles. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery, Geneva. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the St. Patrick Catholic School St. Charles, Il
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Emma Wohlfarth
January 27, 2026
I woke up this morning thinking of Mrs. McLaughlin, as I do somewhat often even into my adult years. She was my 3rd grade teacher in 2008 at St. Patrick´s. What an astonishing, wonderful, sweet, joyful woman. Truly, I am devastated I never got the chance to reach out to her in adulthood to tell her just how much she meant to me. As I am writing this, tears are streaming down my face. In some of my hardest times as a kid, she was there as a kind and supportive face. I felt as though she saw me. And I loved her dearly. I still speak of her often. I wish I had reached out sooner. I am so glad to see someone with such a beautiful soul live so long, touch so many lives. I feel so lucky to have known her.
Mary Foley
January 4, 2026
I can´t imagine not being able to pick up the phone and speak to my best friend of 82 years. She was loyal, fun and an important part of every aspect of my childhood and adult life. I treasure the countless memories of my unforgettable friend.
Prayers for Kathy, Patty, Marty and families on your loss.
Mary "Pinkey" Foley
Georgia Petersen
January 1, 2026
We loved your kindness and humor. Always loved talking to you after Sunday Mass. You will be missed. Rest in peace.
The Petersen Family
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Kate Hagarty
December 30, 2025
I will miss you forever. All the fun we had at school & later in life in Ocean City for many years. You will be in my prayers every night God Bless Love Kate Hagarty
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