Mary Elizabeth "Dibble" Pate McLaughlin

Mary Elizabeth “Dibble” Pate McLaughlin passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025, at the age of 98. Dibble was born June 2, 1927, in Marshall, Texas, and grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana. She graduated from Byrd High School and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Centenary College.

Dibble was first married to Barney F. Pate and later to Spencer McLaughlin, both of whom preceded her in death. She was a devoted mother to her four children: Jimmy Pate and wife Andrea, George Pate and wife Nina, Patti Pate and Beth Pate Ingram.

Her family was the great joy of her life, especially her grandchildren: Allison Rosen (husband Garrett), Erin Romero (husband Blake), Caitlin Dominique (husband Ross), Maggie Brignac (husband Brian), Meredith Pate, Mary Elizabeth Schmidt (husband Patrick), and Zachary Ingram. She delighted in her great-grandchildren: Anders Rosen; Coen, Ian, and Jack Romero; Tucker and Georgia Anne Dominique; John Warren Brignac; and Catherine Schmidt.

She also lovingly embraced Spencer's daughter, Pam Maxwell and husband Dale, and Spencer's granddaughter Amy Cain and husband Reggie, along with their children Matthew and Mason.

Dibble worked at the Ouachita Council on Aging and later served on the board, where she was deeply committed to improving the lives of senior citizens in her community. She was instrumental in organizing the first Hospice Care organization in the Monroe and West Monroe area and continued volunteering with hospice throughout her life—faithfully calling and checking in on patients until very recently.

In recognition of her lifetime of service, Dibble received the prestigious Louise Seymour Community Service Award in 1993. She was a proud member of Zeta Tau Alpha fraternity, the Junior Charity League of Monroe, and served as State President of P.E.O. She was a charter member of Northminster Church, where she remained an active and faithful participant throughout her life.

Dibble loved watching sports, traveling, baking, and doing needlework. She found great joy in tending to her violets and reading a good book. She will be remembered for her gracious spirit, her thoughtful heart, and her gift for conversation—she truly never met a stranger.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff and friends at The Gardens of Georgia Tucker, her special friend LaToya Brown, and the compassionate caregivers of Louisiana Hospice and Palliative Care.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 18, followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 am at Northminster Church, 2701 Lamy Lane, Monroe, LA, under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home Sterlington Rd., Monroe.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ouachita Council on Aging, Northminster Church or a charity of your choice.

Dibble’s life was a beautiful testament to faith, service, and love. Her kindness and warmth touched everyone she met, and her legacy will continue to shine in the lives of those who knew and loved her.

“I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.” Rabindranath Tagore