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
2 Comments
Phil, Linda and Susan, I was so sorry to hear about your mom. She was such a great lady. Our parents sure had a good time together, I wonder if they are playing a game of cards! My thoughts and prayers are with you. She will be missed.
Mary “JOAN” Was An Amazing Women.
I Loved Stopping By To Visit Her.
So Very Very Sorry ?
She Was Classic.
Prayers, Prayers, Love & Hugs To All The Family.
She Loved Our Twins.
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