Donna McLaughlin

"With great sorrow, we announce that our mom, Donna McLaughlin, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026. You never expect this day to come, but here it is.

We could not have asked for a greater mom-a mother who cared deeply for her children and for everyone who was part of her life. Her life was so full and remarkable that it feels like something one could write a book about.

Donna was born in Lithuania and, as a young girl, traveled with her family to America to escape the war. Along the way, they endured unimaginable hardship, hiding in bomb shelters and even under horse carts as bombing raids flew overhead. Eventually, they traveled by boat to the United States to begin a new life. Our mom was just 14 years old when she arrived in America. She came with her mother, father, grandmother, brother, and sister-carrying courage, resilience, and hope with her.

Sometime in her twenties, she met our father, Harold McLaughlin, who lived across the street. Their story began simply, when our dad returned a telephone book that had been lying in the driveway. Before long, they were married in 1960 and went on to have three children: Linda McLaughlin, Larry McLaughlin, and Eric McLaughlin.

Tragedy struck our family in 1978 when we lost our sister Linda. This was devastating, and our mother carried a broken heart from that loss. We find comfort knowing that she is now reunited with her daughter. While time softened some of the pain, it never fully left her. Still, she held herself together and continued to be the most incredible mom. She knew she had to be strong for the family she loved so deeply.

She loved the beach, a good book, cozy hotel stays, and her Lifetime movies-but nothing brought her more joy than being Grandma to Gavin.

We love you so much, Mom. We know you are looking down on us, and we know we will see you again.