Margaret McLaughlin

Margaret B. McLaughlin, of Flourtown, passed away on June 2, 2020. She was 79. Margaret was born to Michael and Margaret Helly in 1941. The child of Irish immigrants, her father was from County Sligo, and her mother was from County Donegal. She enjoyed a happy childhood, growing up on Sheldon Street in the Olney section of Philadelphia surrounded by family and friends. She was very proud of her Irish heritage and had a lifelong love of Irish dancing and music. She attended Saint Ambrose Grade School and graduated from Little Flower High School 1959. Margaret raised her three children, Theresa, Michael and Siobhan in Northeast Philadelphia. She brought warmth to the house on Knorr Street during the winter and kept things cool in the summer with the pool in the backyard. The long summer days were enjoyed by so many, whether it was the unexpected family member or the neighborhood friends. Everyone would be welcomed for backyard barbeques, fun in the pool, and plenty of laughs. Margaret was a faithful and active member of Our Lady of Ransom Parish where she was a Eucharistic Minister and a member of the RCIA team. She was a devoted Catholic school teacher for 40 years, 37 of which were spent teaching third grade at Our Lady of Consolation in Tacony. During those 37 years she took great pride in preparing the children to receive the sacrament of Holy Eucharist. Margaret’s sister Maureen was truly her best friend. They were inseparable, sharing all life’s joys and challenges. Friday nights were special, going out to dinner, seeing friends, and just enjoying time together. Just prior to her retirement, Margaret moved to Flourtown, PA to be closer to her family. There she continued to serve others, volunteering at Saint Genevieve School and at Saint Joseph’s Villa. She loved her many summer vacations spent with family in Stone Harbor, NJ. The thing that brought Margaret the most joy in life was spending time with her grandchildren. The hours spent playing cards and games together, baking, and telling stories of days gone by will be cherished forever. Margaret is survived by her children Theresa Ward (Patrick), Michael McLaughlin (Claudia) and Siobhan Kaplan (Ashley), her sister Maureen Madison and her niece Erin Gallagher (John). She is also survived by her grandchildren Tara, Liam, Olivia and Kevin, and her nephew Sean and niece Maura. Due to current restrictions, the Funeral Mass and interment will be held privately. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Genevieve School, 1237 Bethlehem Pike Flourtown, PA 19031.