Kathleen (Kathy) O. McLaughlin
April 22, 1952 – April 7, 2025
Kathy passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family. She is predeceased by her parents John & Katherine O’Brien, and her sisters Colleen & Mary O’Brien. She is survived by her devoted husband of 48 years, William; her adoring children, Lindsay, Jared (Kelly) and Sean (Jessica); her cherished grandchildren, Connor, Colette, Landon, Liam & Rory; her siblings John O’Brien, Maureen (Tom) Hoffmann, Karen (Dennis) Cochardo, & Kevin (Kathie) O’Brien; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws & friends.
It is difficult to encapsulate everything that Kathy was to everyone. It’s possible that you recognize or remember her for any of the following reasons: you knew her as best natured at Maine Endwell high school, you remember her from a Xerox happy hour at Thirsty’s, you remember her as the mom who dressed up as Clifford the Big Red Dog at the elementary school book fair, you saw her cheering from the sidelines of a football or lacrosse game, you knew her as the redhead who worked the front desk at Jackie O Salon, she was your first call when you needed some medical advice, she made you curtains, she was the first person you called when you needed to vent or talk to a makeshift therapist, you remember her as your favorite person to be with on the dance floor, or you remember her whipping up a quick cookie cake for you just because. Kathy was a colleague, friend, aunt, sister, mom and wife like no other.
Born in Schenectady, Kathy spent the first few years of her life as a member of the beloved 409/411 McClellan gang before moving to Endwell. She graduated from Maine Endwell High School and moved to Rochester, NY to begin her career at Xerox Corporation where she met the love of her life, Bill. They settled in Fairport, NY and began to raise their family. Kathy was a very active member of the PTA, sports booster clubs, Senior bash planning committees and the community as a whole. As a matter of fact, she was given the 2000 Golden F Award by the Friends of Fairport for her exemplary service to the community through a lifetime of good citizenry.
Calling Hours to celebrate Kathy’s life will be on Monday April 14th from 4 – 6PM at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (Egypt Location) 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Rd, Fairport. Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday April 15th at 11AM at the St. John of Rochester Church, 8 Wickford Way, Fairport. The mass will be livestreamed on the St. John of Rochester website https://stjohnfairport.org/funerals.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Kathy’s name to one of the following charities to support some of the people or causes near and dear to Kathy’s heart.
- Gigi’s Playhouse; Rochester, NY Location – https://gigisplayhouse.org/rochester/
- Roc Dog Community Working Dog – https://rocdog.org/
- Breakthrough T1D; Rochester, NY Gala – https://breakthrought1d-upstateny.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/FY25RochesterGala/DonatetoFundACure/tabid/1494778/Default.aspx
- Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester – https://bccr.org/
Glioblastoma Research Organization – https://www.gbmresearch.org/donate
16 responses to “McLaughlin, Kathleen O.”
Bill, Lindsay, Jared, Sean and family,
My heartfelt condolences on the loss of Kathy.
What a fun, spirited, friend and neighbor to all.
Her suffering is over.
Sincerely,
Mary McAdam VerLee and David
Dear Bill, Lindsay, Jared, Sean and Family,
We are heartbroken to hear the news. Kathy is one of the greatest people I have ever met and worked on numerous committees with her. I have a big hole in my heart. I have wonderful memories, funny stories and many laughs and tears throughout our years together. I first met Kathy in 1987 while Bill and Steve were in the MBA program at UofR. We took the 5 kids to dinner many nights … Penny-a-pound nights. Ohhhh all the good times together and cherished memories. I know Kathy is at peace and probably making something yummy to eat with her sister. We will always love her.
Sincerely with Love,
Sonia and Steve Herz
My condolences to the McGlaughlin Family…. I had the pleasure of growing up on the same block Kathy and Bill raised their family and have really fond memories of her positive and boundless energy. Kathy was always ready to strike up a conversation & bring her positive energy. May her spirit live on through the countless lives I know she touched, including mine.
Mrs. McLaughlin enriched our lives through countless events at Fairport schools and through her generous hospitality in the neighborhood. She looked after all of the Brambleridge South kids. The world is a better place because of her kindness. My condolences to Mr. McLaughlin, Lindsay, Jared, and Sean.
I’m saddened to hear of Kathy’s passing! My heartfelt condlences to her husband, children, and family members. She was a joy to know and never did I see her without a smile on her face! Her presence made one happy ! I knew her thru football (Sean) and at Jackie O! Take care of yourselves thru all of this sadness! ❤️🙏🏻
Bill & Family,
So sorry to hear this news. Kathy was pure delight. My thoughts are with you.
Kathy was a wonderful,kind, funny and full of life person . Whenever I saw her she made me laugh ! She will be greatly missed .
Sending peace, love and prayers to you Bill and your family.
Maureen and Joe DeRosa
Bill, Lindsay, Jared and Sean (Blood),
I regret not having the chance to say goodbye to our dear Fairport friend, Kathy McLaughlin! You were a first team wife, mom and cheerleader! You gave us all hope and dreams and lite up the room with your smile and sense of humor. With a thankful heart I’ll say goodbye and let everyone know that your life sure had a purpose!
Love Coach Garrett and family
Bill & Family,
So sorry to hear this news. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dear Bill, Lindsey, Jared and Sean,
Our deepest condolences. Kathy was loved by everyone she met. What a wonderful legacy. I’m sorry for the pain she suffered and am relieved for her. God bless you all.
Janice and Fred Bertoni
To McLaughlin Family,
Kath was a light in this world and anyone who’s been around her for more than a minute knows that. She always treated me as one of her own and I’m forever grateful for her love and support.
Bill, Seis, Jared and Sean… you’re family. Much love to you and the family during this difficult time.
Espo
Dear Bill, Lindsey, Jared, Sean and Family,
Kathy was a spirited, fun and great lady.
Whether it was the fun, antics, games and pranks at our Dinner Club meetings, her jokes about me (especially at our neighborhood camping trips), our Halloween Costume parties, her cheering on Navy during A-N, razzing me about my Raspberries and any time I put trash I put on South Cross instead of Keswick, her just setting me (or anyone!) straight on anything, her insights and recommendations on medical conditions and treatments, her unbelievable connections and network with everyone in the community, or overhearing her long phone calls with Jan-those were wonderful times.
She will be deeply missed.
I am very sorry for your loss and hope you can find peace and comfort with all of your wonderful memories.
Dear Bill and family – Lise, the girls and I were saddened to hear the news about Kathy’s passing. She always had a way of making people laugh.
She would aways greet me with her “hey Joey B”. She will be missed by all of us.
Lise and “Joey B”.
Bill and family
My deepest condolences on the loss of Kathy. She was one of a kind funny and sweet and all
things in between. I cherish the moments shared on the bleachers at basketball games.
I am so sorry for the family and friends of Kathy. She was a best friend of my sister Toni- the share long time memories of Maine- Endwell , and later times together in Rochester. My heart goes out to all the people whom hearts Kathy touched; she will always be missed.
Dearest Bill, Lindsay, Jared and Sean:
A great Mom and friend to all. I was lucky to meet your Mom and your beautiful family through the Preston family…Never forget when she made my puppy Lucille Mc Gilacutty as the name she coined for her, the finest insert with monogram for her bed. I still have it..
If you met her- she was your friend for life…. Know I am with you in spirit and sending love and sympathy. You gained an angel- right by your side always.
Sincerely,
Michele Marrucco
Stamford, Ct