Obituary of Patricia Colleen McLaughlin

Patricia Colleen McLaughlin 1949-2015 McLaughlin, Patricia Colleen With her children by her side and deeply loved, Patricia Colleen McLaughlin passed away at Victoria Hospital LHSC in London on January 9th, 2015. Patricia was predeceased by parents Maurice (1985) and Kay (2008) McLaughlin. Patricia was a devoted and loving mother to Matthew Vauthier (Jennifer) and Kate Vauthier Belfry (Jason). She was a proud and loving "Nanny" to Jack and Nate Belfry. Patricia leaves her siblings Anne Kathleen McLaughlin (GSIC), Mary McLaughlin, Margaret McLaughlin, Kathy Fraumeni (John) and Ted McLaughlin (Wendy). Patti will be missed by her many nieces and nephews; Colleen Aguilar (Karl), Mary Kate Fraumeni-Sam (Saroeun), Christopher Fraumeni, John Paul Fraumeni, Tara McLaughlin, Jim McLaughlin and Sean McLaughlin. She was a great aunt to Julian Aguilar and Keegan Sam. She is remembered with love by her cousin Patrick Mudge (Walter Warford) and by many cousins residing in the Maritimes. Patti will be missed by many friends and colleagues, and especially by her dear friend Sheila Haas and her children: Jim (Melissa), Sue (Alex), and Nick (Lisa). Patricia earned her undergraduate and Masters Degrees in English Literature at Western University (then University of Western Ontario). She was very much at home in the company of the great poets and writers of the ages and developed an enduring connectedness to the works of William Wordsworth and John Milton. She had the soul of a writer and viewed the world through literary eyes. Her shelves heaved under the weight of her literary collection, including treasured copies of many first editions by Canadian authors. Many of those words were read and re-read at her beloved cottage on the shores of Lake Huron. Days and weeks spent at the cottage were filled with walks on the beach, precious time with children, grandchildren, family, friends, and the beloved dogs. At the sight of a sunset or a storm over the crashing waves, Patti was keenly aware of the beauty that surrounded her and cherished her time by the lake. Patricia was an accomplished speech writer and author and completed her professional career in the role of Development Officer at the Faculty of Education, Western University. Most recently, Pat was instrumental in raising funds for The Single Ceiling Project, a Faculty of Education initiative for children's mental health. Patricia most enjoyed work that she felt connected to and passionate about, and her career at the Faculty of Education gave her the opportunity to use her professional gifts while making lasting connections with colleagues and friends of the University. Our family would like to thank Father Michael Béchard, Pastor of Christ the King University Parish for his love, friendship and his spiritual guidance throughout Patti's illness. We would also like to thank the medical teams at LHSC Cancer Clinic, 7th Floor and especially the nurses in Oncology and Palliative Care who cared for our Patricia with such gentleness. Additionally, we would like thank Pat's friends and colleagues who extended tremendous love and support. She was so thankful and comforted knowing everyone was holding her in thoughts and prayers. Visitation will take place at John T. Donahue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo Street, London on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9. The Funeral Mass will take place on Monday at 10 o'clock at Christ the King University Parish, The Chapel, Windermere on the Mount, 1486 Richmond Street North at Windermere. In Patricia's memory, donations may be made to the Single Ceiling Project. Cheques payable to Western University, attention Karmen Dowling, Western University, Westminster Hall, Suite 110, London ON N6A 3K7 or by calling 519-661-4200 or online at www.westernconnect.ca/tribute