Enjoyed drawing, growing flowers and animals

Published in the March 29, 2018 edition

NORTH READING — Helen F. (Kennedy) McLaughlin, 87, of North Reading and formerly of Medford, died Thursday, March 22, 2018 at the Winchester Nursing Center. She was the beloved wife of the late Lawrence W. McLaughlin.

Born in Medford on April 22, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Alice (Burns) Kennedy. She was raised in Medford and was a graduate of Medford High School and she later attended Bunker Hill Community College.

Helen worked for the U.S. Post Office at Logan Airport for many years and she retired at age 75. Helen was a former resident of North Reading for over 40 years and a member of St. Theresa’s Church.

She was always thoughtful of others even when times were tough for her. She was kind and had a positive attitude. Most everyone loved her laugh. She became a traveler and was able to see many other parts of our world. She got into drawing, sketching, growing flowers and has always loved animals, especially her dogs.

Family members include her loving son, Michael McLaughlin and his wife Betsy of Reading; her daughter, Cheryl McLaughlin of East Boston; sisters, Doris Datz of New Jersey and Alice Meagher of Hanover; grandchildren, Katy, Stephen and Peter.

Her funeral will be held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Saturday, April 14 at 10 a.m. Calling hours will be held on Friday, April 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Winchester. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her memory to the charity of one’s choice.  www.croswellfuneralhome.com.