Elizabeth M. “Bette” McLaughlin, age 76 of Hammond, WI died peacefully on May 12, 2017 at the American Heritage Care Center in Hammond.
Bette was born March 18, 1941 in Baldwin, WI, the daughter of J.Kenneth and Hazel (Phernetton) McLaughlin.
Bette lived in Hammond, WI for her entire life. She graduated from Hammond High School as part of the last graduating class before the consolidation of the school district in 1960. She immediately went to work for Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance in St. Paul, MN. Bette remained a loyal and hard working employee for this organization for 44 years, retiring in 2004.
Bette was a life long member of St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hammond, WI. She was a charter member of the Hammond Golf Course and served as President of the Board of Directors for several years. Bette was a generous contributor to both the Hammond Golf Course and the Hammond Lions Club. She was chosen to be Grand Marshal of the Hammond Heartland Days Parade in 2011 in recognition of her generosity to different organizations in the community.
In her spare time, Bette enjoyed reading, watching old movies, listening to jazz and soft rock music, and traveling. More than anything, Bette treasured her family and she was an important part of every family celebration.
Bette was preceded in death by her father, J. Kenneth McLaughlin; mother, Hazel (Phernetton) Dosser; brother, Robert McLaughlin; and her most precious grandmother, Florence McLaughlin.
She is survived by her sister-in-law, Judy McLaughlin; niece, Colleen (Steve) Kordosky and nephew, Tim (Lynette) McLaughlin; great nieces and nephews, Allie and Cody Larson and Garrett and Emily McLaughlin. Also mourning her death are cousins: Nancy (John) Rock, Mary Jo (Marty) O’Connor, Harvey Jones, Tim (Patty) Meath, Bob (Debbie) Meath, and Jim (Susan) Meath.
Mass of Christian Burial honoring Bette’s Life will take place 11:00 am Friday, May 19, 2017 at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1265 Ridgeway, Hammond, with Fr. Gerald Harris officiating. A Gathering of Family and Friends will take place from 9:00 am until the time of Mass at the church. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. A luncheon and celebration of Bette’s life will follow at the Hammond Golf Course.
A special thanks to the staff at the American Heritage Care Center and Adoray Hospice for their loving care.
Funeral services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin (715) 684-3434