GLOUCESTER – Barbara A. (Harrington) McLaughlin, died peacefully at the age of 78, surrounded by her family on Monday, July 28, 2014 at the Seacoast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was the wife of the late John L. “Mickey” McLaughlin, formerly of Brooklyn, NY.
Born in Portland, ME on August 29, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Edwin Harrington and Mary (Fusco) Stickney. Barbara had attended Presumpscot Elementary and Cathedral School in Portland. She moved to Gloucester in 1959 at the age of 24, after living in New York for a year. She and Mickey were married on August 24, 1958, they shared 18 years of marriage before his death in 1976.
Barbara had a unique soul with a quick wit. She enjoyed teaching herself Spanish and her trips to Las Vegas. She had a devotion to her grandchildren which was exceeded only by their devotion to her. Barbara was appointed by three mayors to serve on the board of commissioners of the Gloucester Housing Authority from 1999 to 2013, proudly representing the interest of her community.
Barbara is survived by her four children, John McLaughlin, Patrick McLaughlin, husband of Carol, Barbara Mary McLaughlin, all of Gloucester and Christian McLaughlin of Salem; six grandchildren, Kevin and Colleen Tidd of Waynesboro, PA, Siobhan and Brittany McLaughlin, Salvatore and Joey Aiello and Lisa Marie Burns; five great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was also predeceased by her grandparents, Angelantonio and Agata (Casale) Fusco.
In keeping with her wishes, services will be held privately in the Beechbrook Cemetery. There are no visiting hours. Expressions of sympathy may be made in her memory to The Open Door, 28 Emerson Avenue, Gloucester, MA 01930.