Obituary of Maureen McLaughlin

Maureen T. McLaughlin, a woman of deep faith and kindness, was reunited with her husband Deacon Richard McLaughlin in Heaven on Thursday morning, March 22, 2018. She was 79 years old. Maureen was born in Boston, the daughter of Joseph and Mary Mauchan. She grew up in Brighton and was a graduate of St. Columbkille High School. She married her husband Richard at the age of 20 and settled in Burlington in 1962. For many in this world, it is one’s career that is most defining, but for Maureen it was her faith in God, devotion to her family, and an incredible warmth that defined her being. Maureen and her husband Richard walked their faith journey together as one. Their faith ministry was one of kindness as they served all of God’s children. When Richard chose to become an ordained Deacon in the Catholic Church, she supported his call to serve God actively and enthusiastically. They ministered to the parishioners at St. Malachy’s Church, the service men and women and their families at Hanscom Air Force Base, and the patients and their families at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center. They started with St. Malachy’s Church, where they worked together as Eucharistic ministers and lecturers in addition to running Baptismal classes, officiating over Baptisms, leading marriage encounter retreats, and cooking for the shelters in Lowell. One of Richard’s responsibilities as a Deacon at St. Malachy’s was to minister to the patients at the Lahey Hospital and Medical Center. Maureen was always at his side to support her husband as well as the patients and families. Maureen’s warmth, kindness, and love for others shined brightly. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, and caretaker for her parents, and all of these life experiences made it easy for her to connect with others who needed a sympathetic ear, a bit of guidance, or a simple hug. She also opened up her home to families of patients who needed a place stay or a home cooked meal. Richard’s final Deacon assignment before taking ill was at Hanscom Air Force Base. Maureen was again always at his side. For many service men and women and their families who were away from home, Maureen became like a second mother or grandmother. She was so approachable, welcoming, grounded, and kind that she was a great source of strength for many. Maureen lived by God’s two greatest commandments “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Maureen lived her faith every day through her words, actions, and deeds; her legacy is one of kindness and love. Maureen was also a woman devoted to her family. She was a loving and supportive mother to her 5 children. She was a devoted daughter to her parents; she put an addition on her home so they could live independently for as long as possible. She also relished the time she spent with her grandchildren. She was a fun and supportive sister and loving aunt to her many nieces and nephews. Her home, especially her pool, was a gathering spot. She was a fantastic cook and baker, and Maureen loved entertaining. She enjoyed family camping trips that started in a tent trailer and progressed to an RV, which she loved packing up for day trips to Salisbury Beach. She also traveled extensively in the US and abroad, and made a number of pilgrimages. Maureen was the beloved wife of Richard McLaughlin for 55 years. She was the loving and caring mother of Richard McLaughlin, Jr. of Leominster, Ronald McLaughlin & his wife Catherine of Northborough, Donna Tolliday & her husband Terry of Bolton, Robert McLaughlin & his wife Kimberlee of Burlington, and Denise Paster of Conway, SC. She was the sister of Charles Mauchan of Wayland, Donald Mauchan of Marlborough, Donna Girard of New Hampton, NH, the late Marie Langille and Patricia Mauchan. Maureen was the proud “Nanny” of Ryan, Holly, Sean, Caitlin, Courtney, Bailey, Cameron, Jack, Meghan, Mercedes, and Brooke. She was also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Tuesday, March 27 at 10 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Malachy Church, 99 Bedford St., Burlington at 11 a.m. Visiting hours Monday at the funeral home from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Maureen’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association,309 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham MA 02452. For directions, obituary & online guestbook see www.saint-malachy.org or www.sullivanfuneralhome.net