Helen Louise McLaughlin

Helen Louise (Whitney) McLaughlin, 82, of Tallahassee, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2025, her husband by her side. Born on May 16, 1943, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Frank Arthur Whitney and Ruth Elizabeth (Doeren) Whitney, Helen lived a life defined by compassion, curiosity, and courage. She was a woman of deep faith, fierce independence, and boundless empathy—qualities that shaped every chapter of her life.

A lifelong learner and trailblazer, Helen earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Edgecliff College and later a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from Florida State University—joining the ranks of the less than half a percent of American women to hold a graduate degree at the time. But her education didn’t stop there. From belly dancing and cooking classes to art workshops and flute lessons, Helen embraced every opportunity to grow and explore.

Helen began her professional career as a secondary school teacher, but her calling to serve families and children led her into the field of mental health and social services. Over the years, she worked with Apalachee Community Mental Health, the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services, and the Public Defender’s Office. Later, she served as a school counselor and school psychologist in Wakulla and Franklin counties, and also maintained periods of private practice. Her work was deeply personal and impactful, receiving countless letters from clients expressing how she had helped their families rise from the depths of despair.

Her career and volunteer work were rooted in a passion for helping others—especially children, families, the homeless, the poor, and the marginalized. She was continually engaged in meaningful efforts across education, mental health care, advocacy, and hands-on outreach. Her dedication to others was truly all-consuming, as was her faithfulness to God. Helen prayed tirelessly for family, friends, and even strangers in need, believing deeply in the healing power of love and grace. She served through her church, participated in mission trips to Mexico and Cuba, and traveled wherever she was called to serve.

Helen had a gift for laughter, often erupting into joyful, contagious fits her family lovingly called “ramblings.” Her warmth and humor drew people in, and her kindness kept them close. She was a devoted friend, a loving mother and grandmother, and a tireless advocate for those in need.

When she and Murray retired, he asked her what she wanted to do. She replied, “I want to see the world.” And so they did. Together, they traveled far and wide, embracing the beauty and diversity of the world with open hearts and curious spirits.

Helen loved music, dancing, and long conversations with friends and loved ones. She had a flair for interior decorating and a creative soul that found expression in painting, drawing, and curating Christmas trees that were more than festive—they were living collages of memory, meaning, and nostalgia.

Helen found her haven by the sea. She lived for many years on the water in Shell Point, Florida, where she delighted in dolphin sightings, long walks on the beach, and the quiet majesty of ocean sunrises and sunsets. The beach was her sanctuary—a place of peace, reflection, and joy.

She was proud of her children, delighted in her grandchildren, and treasured her many dear friends. Above all, she was grateful for the nearly 50 years she shared with her beloved husband, Murray, with whom she built a life full of adventure, laughter, and love.

Helen is survived by her husband Murray McLaughlin; her children, Robert “Robbie” Zimmerman and wife (Pam), Pam Strickland and husband (Tim), Bobbi Cawley and husband (Jim), and Kelli Lund; fifteen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and her sister, Jean Anderson. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held at John Wesley United Methodist Church, located at 1689 Old St. Augustine Rd., Tallahassee, FL, on October 11, 2025, starting at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Refuge House at (https://refugehouse.com/support/) or Big Bend Homeless Coalition at (https://familypromisebigbend.org/donate/) .