Mary B. Mc Laughlin

Mary Beatrice McLaughlin, 98 was called by our Heavenly Father on November 6, 2010 in Port Charlotte, FL where she resided with her daughter, Cecilia. She lived in Tampa, FL most of her adult life. Born in Calumet, MI on February 22, 1912, she was predeceased by her husband, Joseph Allan McLaughlin, nephew (considered a son) Edward LaPlante (Verna), 3 sisters, 2 brothers, 4 sisters-in-law and 1 brother-in-law. She is survived by her daughters, Cecilia Marie McLaughlin, Port Charlotte, FL and JoAnn Baxley, Brandon, FL, grandchildren, James Baxley, Riverview and Debra Zelenak (Michael), Murfreesboro, TN; Lynne Herring (Clem), Gary LaPlante (Janet), Eddie LaPlante (Joan) all reside in CA; several great and great-great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Bea was a member of the Ladies Guild and a Member Emeritus of Circle 4 at Christ the King Catholic Church where she held many offices, a past member of Catholic Women’s Club, Rosemary Garden Club, and West Coast Orchid Society. She and her husband were passionate Orchid growers and recipients of many awards including the coveted AOS Award on a plant grown by them. Very artistic and creative, she arranged flowers and made many award winning corsages and wedding bouquets. She was an avid Bridge Player, and recently played on the computer after her Bridge Club disbanded. Some of her favorite pastimes were playing games and cards with family and friends, reading and traveling. She was still climbing mountains in her 70’s and 80’s. She also contributed to many charities. The last of the generation who survived the depression; she was often described as a spunky, spirited and energetic woman who loved life, nature, flowers, family and friends. She was a caregiver to many family members and was our rock. We will all miss her terribly. A memorial gathering will take place at Marsicano-B.Marion Reed-Stowers Funeral Home, 4040 Henderson Blvd, Tampa, FL on Monday, November 22, 2010 from 6 to 8PM. A memorial mass will then be held on Tuesday, November 23, 2010 at 10AM at Christ the King Catholic Church, 821 S. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL.