Evelyn Jager McLaughlin

Evelyn was born in Olympia, Washington, to Francis and Rosa Jager on Sept. 28, 1942. She lived in Olympia until leaving to attend Washington State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education. Evelyn then taught at a number of elementary schools in the greater Seattle area. She married Gordon McLaughlin in Seattle in 1969, and his 31-year career with Safeco Insurance took them to numerous cities all over the Pacific Northwest until they settled in Brier in 1985.

Evelyn’s friends and family fondly recall her baking. It was not unusual to receive a package with delicious cookies and brownies. She also generously donated to many charitable organizations, and established and endowed the Gordon McLaughlin Hawkeye Scholarship at her children’s alma mater, Mountlake Terrace High School, for students intending to pursue a career in communication.

Her generosity extended to her time. A Girl Scout as a child, she volunteered her time as a Scouts leader as an adult, as well as volunteering in schools and libraries. Evelyn was an avid reader and sparked a love of reading and writing in her children and many others. If she had your address and you welcomed a child, there was a good chance you would receive a package of children’s books from her.

Evelyn is survived by her son, Michael McLaughlin of Lafayette, California; her daughter, Erika Shira of Boston; her sister, Eleanor Mackey of Everett, Washington; and her three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon McLaughlin, in 2001.