Joan Barbara (Laurence) McLaughlin, 68, died February 23, 2009 at Exeter Hospital after a courageous battle with multiple illnesses. She was born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, March 17, 1941 to Francis and Helen (Supernor) Paradis. She worked as an activities director at the Thornton Nursing home in Northboro, then for many years at the McLaughlin Awning Company of Worcester, MA and in later years served as Assistant Town Clerk for the town of Fitzwilliam, NH. She was an active member of the Fitzwilliam community for many years, serving on the Planning Board and other committees.
She was a talented craft person and her hobbies and interests included cooking, sewing, knitting, doll making, flower arranging, and shopping. She enjoyed sharing her expertise with her children, grandchildren and friends. She loved nature and was a devoted dog lover.
Her second husband, Bertram McLaughlin, predeceased her in 2004. She leaves behind two sisters, Kathleen Laurence of Exeter, NH and Patricia Taylor of Sun City, AZ; three children from her first marriage to Francis Laurence; Francis J. Laurence, Jr. and his wife Lisa, Daniel J. Laurence and his wife Colleen, and Pamela Laurence, one step-son, Bruce McLaughlin and his wife Jean; thirteen grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Special thanks to her niece Paula Hammond, her husband Steven and their daughters for their continued devotion and care for Joan.
Calling hours were held from 4-7pm on Sunday, March 1st 2009, at the Peabody Funeral Home, 290 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry, NH. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Monday, March 2, 2009 at 10am at St. Jude Church, 435 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry, NH. Interment will be at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Fitzwilliam, NH in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Rockingham Hospice and VNA, 137 Epping Rd., Exeter, NH 03833.