Obituary of Elizabeth McLaughlin

Elizabeth Catherine Mc Gowan Mc Laughlin October 6, 1924 - March 23, 2012 Bette Mc Laughlin passed away peacefully at the Peggy Coloney Hospice Center in Scotch Plains on Friday. She was 87. Born in Vailsburg, New Jersey, she was the oldest daughter of Joseph and Anna Mc Gowan and the beloved wife of the late Paul Mc Laughlin, whom she married in 1946 upon his return from service in the Army Air Corps during World War II having served around the world. They eventually settled in Montclair and remained there until Paul retired and moved to their family summer house in Belmar. Bette is survived by her daughter Nancy Mc Laughlin Neff, son Thomas Mc Laughlin and daughter Cynthia Mc Laughlin Andretta and a plethora of devoted grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she doted on and who lovingly referred to her as Gram: granddaughters Sharon Neff Logan, Deborah Neff Tonks, Stacie Mansfield Baumann, Erin Mc Laughlin Healy and Elizabeth Andretta; grandsons John Neff, Jr., Dean Neff, William Mansfield, Paul Mc Laughlin and Thomas Mc Laughlin; great granddaughters Sarah Tonks, Sydney Mansfield and Courtney Mansfield; and great-grandsons Benjamin Tonks, Charlie Logan, Henry Logan, Brian Baumann, Kevin Baumann, Shawn Baumann, Connor Mansfield and Ryan Mansfield; not to mention her devoted golden retriever Oliver and a bevy of other canines who were fortunate enough to enjoy her tender, loving care. Bette worked from time to time as a floral arranger and was active in charities in Montclair and after she moved to Belmar, with its Women's Club where she was a devoted member and made lasting friendships. She was also a costume maker of great talent and was referred to in productions of Montclair's Studio Playhouse as "Costumes by Bette if Belmar." Her greatest accomplishment, however, was in the great love and devotion she bestowed in her family and received in return. Funeral from the Hugh M. Moriarty , 76 Park Street , Montclair on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. and then to Immaculate Conception Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 a.m. followed by Interment at Immaculate Conception Cemetery. Visitation at the funeral home is Wednesday from 4:00 - 8:00p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Valerie Fund for Children c/o Monmouth Medical Center, 300 Second Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740 or St. Jude's Children Hospital. 501 St. Jude's Place, Memphis, TN 38105