Beloved Community Member Mary Mildred McLaughlin Passes Away

Charlotte, NC, September 13, 2025

News Summary

Mary Mildred McLaughlin, aged 87, who greatly contributed to the Charlotte community, has passed away. Remembered for her compassion and lifelong service, her legacy is one of dedication to family and humanitarian efforts. A memorial reception will be held to honor her life.

Charlotte, North Carolina – Beloved Community Member Mary Mildred McLaughlin, 87, Passes Away

Mary Mildred McLaughlin, a cherished member of the Charlotte community, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2025, at the age of 87. She lived in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is remembered for her compassionate spirit and commitment to helping others.

Born on July 5, 1938, in Chatham, Ontario, McLaughlin grew up on a family farm near Wallaceburg, surrounded by a variety of animals, including dairy and beef cattle, pigs, chickens, as well as fruit orchards, dogs, and cats. Commuting to school was no easy feat; she walked a mile and a half each way to attend a one-room schoolhouse that served eight grades and was equipped with an outhouse and coal stove. Her determination was evident early on, as she became the first girl in her school allowed to wear pants during the cold, snowy winter months. Her athletic prowess shone through in her high school years, where she played basketball at Wallaceburg District High School.

Education and Professional Life

Mary earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Western Ontario and began working for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) in Toronto, focusing on advertising compliance. While in Toronto, she lived directly across from the iconic Maple Leaf Gardens, home of the Toronto Maple Leafs. In 1962, she married Bob McLaughlin, and the couple briefly resided in Halifax, Nova Scotia, before moving to Etobicoke, a borough of Toronto, in 1965. Together, they raised two sons, Jim and Gary McLaughlin.

A Life of Service and Adventure

Mary McLaughlin was not only dedicated to her family but also to her community. She played a significant role in orchestrating the emigration of two Cuban refugees, Lily and Giraldo, sharing her home with them. Alongside her husband, she ran a small travel agency called Personal Travel, which was known for its personal touch. Mary traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. In 1984, she moved to Ottawa, where she volunteered to assist international diplomats’ spouses in acclimating to their new surroundings.

After spending nearly 25 years in Florida, where she resided in Melbourne Beach and Indian Harbour Beach, Mary co-authored and self-published a book on U.S. immigration with her husband. Her commitment to humanitarian causes was reflected in her volunteer work with the American Red Cross, providing disaster relief.

Later Years

Following the death of her husband Bob in 2014, Mary relocated to North Carolina. There, she became actively involved with Plaza Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, where she enjoyed making sandwiches for the homeless and engaging in discussions about complex social subjects. Her passion for lifelong learning was evident, and she cherished moments spent with family, especially the laughter shared with her grandchildren—Lauren, Claire, and Kate McLaughlin.

Survived By and Memorial Information

Mary McLaughlin is survived by her sons, Jim McLaughlin (married to Krissa Jensen) and Gary McLaughlin (married to Beth). She was predeceased by her husband Bob, her parents Will and Ethel Glasgow, and her brothers Doug and Don. In appreciation for the care provided to her during her final years, the family has expressed gratitude to the staff at Aldersgate.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Lung Association, American Red Cross, or Roof Above. A memorial reception to honor her life will be held on September 13, 2025, at Aldersgate from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

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Additional Resources

• Dignity Memorial: Mary Mildred McLaughlin
• Wikipedia: Mary McLaughlin
• Cleveland Obituaries: James McLaughlin
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Charlotte, North Carolina
• People: Sisters Meet for First Time

Author: HERE Charlotte

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