Patricia "Patty" O'Connell McLaughlin

Patricia “Patty” McLaughlin, ninety-seven years young, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2021 after a brief illness. Patty was born in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho to James and Alta O’Connell and grew up in Potlach, Idaho along with her brothers: Dan and Jerry and sister, Kathleen. Patty attended Holy Names Academy in Spokane, WA and went on to Whitman College for two years where she was a member of Delta Gamma sorority. She then attended the University of Idaho and graduated with a degree in Sociology. While in Moscow she met and married Robert McLaughlin in 1946 and supported him through law school. They were married for fifty-five years before he passed away in 2001. The family quickly grew to seven with children: James, John, Michael, Mary and Ann. The family moved to Mountain Home in 1950 when Robert began the practice of law in his hometown. Patty loved being a stay-at-home mom but was also active in P.E.O., the library board, Elmore Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Our Lady of Good Counsel Altar Society and choir. While the children were in school the cabin above Pine, Idaho was a frequent weekend destination. Annual vacations to the Oregon Coast (Patty's favorite) and Christmas’s in Sun Valley and Palm Springs were among the many family trips. After all five children graduated from the University of Idaho, Patty and Robert traveled to Europe and the South Pacific. Patty and Robert moved to Meridian in 1999 to be closer to family. Patty continued to be active in P.E.O. and Delta Gamma Sorority receiving her 70 year pins for both organizations. After Robert’s death, she traveled with her children to Europe, South America and Hawaii. Patty was also a fabulous cook and baker. Her “nana rolls” were a must at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Patty was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She loved being Nana Patty to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She instilled in all of her children the values of optimism and faith. She was truly the family matriarch. She is survived by her children: James (Willa) McLaughlin of Sun Valley, John (Marta) McLaughlin of Huntington Beach, CA., Michael (Tamara) McLaughlin of Eugene, OR., Mary McLaughlin of Boise and Anne McLaughlin of Meridian; eight grandchildren: Ryan, Jamie Murdock, Matthew, Robert, Patrick, Katherine, Sean and Mark; ten great grandchildren: Madeline, Andrew, Sam, Charles, Libby, Hayden, Lucy, Parker, Agnes and Matteo. Special thanks for Dr. Leo Harf for the gift of sight to Patty for many years. The family thanks the nurses at St. Alphonsus ICU Nampa for their incredible care for Patty. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to P.E.O. or the University of Idaho Foundation.