OBITUARY: Elaine J. (Garofalo) McLaughlin, 73

Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:

WILMINGTON, MA — Elaine Joanne (Garofalo) McLaughlin, age 73, passed away peacefully at home on April 18, 2023.

Elaine was born in Everett, MA, the first daughter of the late Alfred and Eleanor (Ludovico) Garofalo.  Elaine graduated from Everett High School in 1967 and the Whidden Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1970.  She continued her nursing education, receiving a Bachelor’s degree from Salem State College and a Master’s degree from Regis College.

With her kind and caring personality, a life dedicated to helping others was an ideal fit for Elaine.  She had an ability to find positivity in everyone; she strove to be a model for others.  Her career in health care spanned over four decades, starting as a candy-striper and then as a medical/surgical registered nurse at the Whidden Memorial Hospital and ultimately as the Director of Education at Cambridge Health Alliance.

For the past 32 years, Elaine lived in Wilmington, MA, with her loving husband, Richard H. McLaughlin.  Elaine and Dick enjoyed domestic and international traveling in addition to spending much time on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.  Socializing with their many relatives and friends was a large part of their life together.

Elaine is survived by her husband, Richard; her stepchildren Raelene Beckwith (husband Scott) of Keane, NH, and Todd McLaughlin (wife Andrea) of Reardan, WA; her siblings Paul Garofalo of Hampton, NH and Beverly Rose (husband John) of Wilmington, MA; her nephews Christopher Rose and Timothy Rose; she was lovingly known as Nana E to Emily, Isabel, Darby, Brooke, Sterling, and Skai.  Elaine is further survived by a large extended family and many friends.

At Elaine’s request her services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Elaine’s memory to the American Cancer Society, 3 Speen St., Framingham, MA  01701 or a Charity of your Choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Nichols Funeral Home, Wilmington, MA.  To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.