Jane M. McLaughlin

Obituary of Jane M. McLaughlin

Jane McLaughlin, a devoted family woman and lifelong educator, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2025 after a short illness, surrounded by her family. She was 90 years old.

Jane was born in Stoneham, MA. She was one of five children of the late John and Jane Crimmins. She grew up in Malden, MA and graduated from Malden High School, where she excelled as a student. Determined to further her education, she put herself through the State Teachers College in Salem, MA, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education.

Jane returned to Malden High School to teach business classes-an early chapter in a long and impactful career in education. At the time, it was common for women to leave the workforce after starting a family, and so she stepped away from teaching after the birth of her first child. She went on to raise four wonderful children. Once they were all in school, she resumed her teaching career, first at McCall Junior High School in Winchester, and later in adult education at Burlington High School. She also worked as an adjunct instructor at Middlesex Community College, where she partnered with Wang Corporation to develop a course on their pioneering word processing system. The class became widely popular. Later in her career, Jane joined BayBank's training department. Always ahead of her time, Jane had both the knowledge and the confidence to take on challenging roles.

Jane was a supportive and encouraging mother and wife. She met her beloved husband Charlie at a wedding. She was a bridesmaid, and he was a friend of the groom. A romance began, and their lifelong journey together followed. They married on June 22, 1963, and settled in Burlington in 1964 to raise their family. They were true partners in every aspect of life, building a home filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support. Jane encouraged her children in their sports, activities, and passions. Summers were spent camping at Lakeside Pines on the shores of Long Lake in Maine. After their children were grown, Jane and Charlie became avid travelers, visiting Ireland, Spain, Italy, England, France, and many parts of the United States. In retirement, they spent ten happy winters in Boca Raton, Florida. Jane and Charlie maintained lifelong friendships-some dating back to high school-and formed many others throughout the years. Their close-knit group enjoyed dining out, hosting parties, cookouts, ladies' luncheons, book clubs, and weekends with friends.

Becoming a grandmother brought Jane immense joy. She often provided childcare for her grandchildren, hosted sleepovers, and spent sunny days with them swimming in her backyard pool. She was a constant presence at their sports games, school events, recitals, and celebrations. She cherished every moment spent with them-playing games, especially cards. A favorite was "Kings in the Corner," which became a competitive and cherished family tradition. Holidays were a special time for Jane. She delighted in hosting, and nothing made her happier than having her entire family gathered together. Jane loved staying active, fit, and mentally sharp. She was a longtime member of a bowling league, played tennis, and enjoyed weekly golf outings with her friends. A talented bridge player, she played four days a week at various locations in the area. After moving to Grandview Commons in Burlington, she was often seen walking laps around Burlington Common, and staying connected with her community.

Her children were grateful to find a supportive and loving environment for her at Stonebridge at Burlington Assisted Living. Jane thrived there- participating in activities, making new friends, and maintaining her dignity and independence. Her children are profoundly thankful to the Stonebridge staff for the compassion, care, and respect they showed Jane in her final years. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered as a woman of strength, wisdom, and love.

Jane was the beloved wife of the late Charles McLaughlin who passed in 2018. She was the loving and supportive mother and mother-in-law of Patrick McLaughlin & his wife Patricia of Tyngsborough, Charlie McLaughlin & his wife Namrita of Gibsonia, PA, Mary Patrick & her husband Alex of Acton, and Michael McLaughlin & his wife Jennifer of Sunapee, NH. She was the proud grandmother of Kathryn McLaughlin, Sonya McLaughlin, Sarah Patrick, Kayleigh Bryant, Garrett McLaughlin, Alicia McLaughlin, Cale Bryant, Shannon Patrick, and Liam McLaughlin. She was the devoted sister of Robert Crimmins & his wife Rose of Braintree, the late John Crimmins, Alfred Crimmins, and Thomas Crimmins. She was the sister-in-law of Mary Clougher & her late husband John, William & Margaret McLaughlin, Frank & Barbara McGonagle, the late John & Pat McLaughlin, late Bernard & Rosemarie McLaughlin, and late Robert & Marion McLaughlin. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington on Wednesday, August 20 from 5-7 p.m. The funeral will be held Thursday, August 21 at 9 a.m, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Malachy Church in St. Veronica Parish, www.stveronicama.org, 99 Bedford Street, Burlington at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with a burial at Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington.

Memorials in Jane's name may be made to People Helping People at www.peoplehelpingpeopleinc.org, or P.O. Box 343, Burlington, MA 01803.