Helen Laughlin Obituary

HELEN C. LAUGHLIN Helen C. Laughlin, a resident of Glen Ellyn since 1956, died in her home on October 27, 2013. She was born in Barbados in 1920 and lived there until her marriage to a U.S. Serviceman in the early 1940s. She was a phenomenal mother to her daughters, Penny (Larry) Boward, Janet Laughlin (Norman Kaderlan) and Ruth Laughlin. She was besotted with her 5 grand-children, Jason Smoliak (Julie Collins), Mary Smoliak, Caitlin (Michael) Goebig, Sarah (Raj) Ganesan and Elizabeth Laughlin (Alexander King), who in turn gave her 10 great-grandchildren, Brooke, Adam, Andrew, Ben, Nora, Nathan, Lila, Simone, Sam and Atticus. She was a matriarch extraordinaire, creating a home that welcomed, nurtured and stimulated all who lived and visited there. Her generosity and hospitality extended to anyone whose path crossed hers. She was an avid reader and an adventuresome learner and traveler, curious and open-minded. She was twice widowed, first by Hugh Branch in 1944, then by Tom Laughlin in 2002, both veterans of WWII. Her life was rich and long, and she taught her progeny well. Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to CNS Hospice in Carol Stream.