Mary Joan McLaughlin

Mary Joan McLaughlin, age 91, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday March 17,2017 at Brookestone Village Nursing Home in Omaha. She was married for 66 years to her loving husband Bernard “Mac” McLaughlin. Joan was born January 6, 1926 in Kokomo, Indiana to William and Sarah (Berry) Harmon. She was raised by her grandmother, Martha Harmon. She graduated from Kokomo High School. She also met Bernard in Indiana there during the war. He brought her back to Logan where they bought a farm and raised their family.

Joan is survived by her three children, Phillip McLaughlin (Tucson), Linda Lavis (Tucson) and Susan Lee and Fiancé Rich Tweedy of Omaha. She leaves behind 5 grandchildren: Angela and Phil Greenwald, Jason and Stephanie McLaughlin, Lisa and Phillip Gerhard, Mindy and Clint Dunn, Shawn and Shelly Meeks, 11 great-grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews and wonderful friends.

Joan spent much of her life supporting her husband and family on the farm. She was very devoted to her church and all church activities. Her door was always open for a cup of coffee, plate of dessert or just an ear to listen, or to play a game of cards.   She never hesitated to help anyone when something needed to be done. She had a wonderful knack with flowers and made wonderful floral arrangements both at her job in the flower shop and on her kitchen table with flowers from her beautiful garden. There was nothing she enjoyed more than walking around the farm with grandchildren and later in life her great-grandchildren.

Visitation with the family will be held Monday, March 20 from 6-8pm with a Rosary at 7pm. at the Hennessey Funeral Home in Missouri Valley, Iowa.

The family would like to invite everyone to a time of lunch and fellowship at St Pat’s church following the committal service.

Memorials may be sent to the charity of your choice.

In Loving Memory Of

Mary Joan McLaughlin

Born

January 6, 1926                                     Kokomo, Indiana

Entered Into Rest

March 17, 2017                                     Omaha, Nebraska

Mass of Christian Burial

10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 21, 2017

St. Patrick’s Catholic Church

Missouri Valley, Iowa

Officiating                             Father Wayne Gubbels

Father Raphael Masabakhwa

Organist

Vocalist                                                       Rick Powell

Musical Selections

“Be Not Afraid”                                       “Amazing Grace”

“You Are Near”                               “How Great Thou Art”

“Lord’s Prayer” 

Casket Bearers

Phil McLaughlin                                   Jason McLaughlin

Phil Greenwald                                               Clint Dunn

Ed Olsen                                                     Randy Olsen 

Final Resting Place

Woodbine Cemetery

Woodbine, Iowa

I needed the Quiet

I needed the quiet so He drew me aside

Into the shadows where we could confide,

Away from the bustle where all the day long

I hurried and worried when active and strong.

I needed the quiet though at first I rebelled

But gently, so gently, my cross He upheld

And whispered so sweetly of spiritual things

Though weakened in my body, my spirit took wings

To heights never dreamed of when active and gay.

He loved me so greatly He drew me away.

I needed the quiet. No prison my bed,

But a beautiful valley of blessings instead,

A place to grow richer, in Jesus to hide.

I needed the quiet so He drew me aside.

~ Alice H. Mortenson

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