Jacqueline McLaughlin

1936 - 2020

Jacqueline McLaughlin

As I sit and start to write this, I shed a tear and wonder whether I am honored, blessed, or cursed for being chosen. It is never easy to say goodbye to someone you love, and even more difficult when that person has had such an impact on your life and so many others.

On Saturday the 10th of October 1936 in New York City, a beautiful child was brought into this world and has departed our world on Sunday the 7th of June 2020 after 83 wonderful years.

The oldest of three sisters, first born of "Babe", Jacqueline helped raise her sisters Elizabeth and Maureen in their small apartment in Queens.

She married at 18 and moved to Gloucester, Massachusetts with her husband Andrew to live as a lighthouse keeper's wife on several different lighthouses. She gave birth to her first daughter, Karen while living on Eastern Point lighthouse. After her second daughter Donna arrived, she moved back to New York for family support in raising her growing family. Soon after, her husband returned from lighthouse duty and daughter number three, Carleen arrived followed by, surprise, Jacqueline, daughter number four. Then two years later, her one and only son, Andrew came along. She was also blessed to be sister Heather's "other mother".

She made every holiday special from coloring and hiding Easter eggs with baskets overflowing, Thanksgivings with food prepped by the whole family and Christmas where she managed to have more presents imaginable under the tree year after year.

She always kept her family close and they spent vast amounts of time with Elizabeth, Maureen and their children who still and always will remain close knit after all these years.

After remarrying Andrew Jackie moved to Florida where she started a new life. She made many new friends there through her work, her bowling league, her scrapbooking and card making.

As her health started failing her inner strength shined through and she refused to give up until the very end, managing to still greet the ones she loved with a smile.

Jackie is survived by her children Karen McLaughlin, Donna O'Hagan (Jim), Carleen Henderson (Michael), Jacqueline McLaughlin (Bob), Andrew McLaughlin (Bree), and Heather McLaughlin (Michael), her Grandchildren Bryan (Brittany), Audrey (Pavel), Tracey (JJ), Megan, Hunter, Lundyn and Kennedy and her Great Grandchildren Dylan, Alexyss, Sam and Lucy. Jackie also leaves behind countless nieces, nephews, cousins and many other friends and loved ones that were lucky enough to be touched by her love.

She was preceded by her grandparents, parents, sisters Lizzy B and Maureen and her twin babies, Ann and Barbara, who passed away at birth.

All are welcome to join us for a Celebration of Life Memorial to be held on Saturday August 8th in Naples, Florida, details to follow.

In Lieu of flowers please make contributions to the "St. Jude Children's Research Hospital" in her name.

In closing, the world has lost another Angel, a grand Irish lass that would light up even the darkest of rooms with her magical smile. The void she leaves behind is immense but does not compare to the joy she has brought to so many for so long.

Rest in Peace "Mother Dear", go soar with the Angels that have been waiting for you. You will be missed more than you will ever know.

With love and little lollypops, we all love you. Godspeed.