Janet Mae McLaughlin

Janet Mae (McBride) McLaughlin (March 12, 1931-March 8, 2023), went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 8, following a long illness. She was a woman of strong faith, love of family, community, and nature. She will be remembered by her family and community for her kindness and love of all animals, especially those who were unwanted or abandoned. 

Funeral services will take place Wednesday, March 15 at 10:30 a.m. at United Methodist Church in Marathon, Iowa. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Albert City is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers the family requests that you make a donation in Janet’s name to the animal rescue of your choice.

Janet grew up with her loving parents Jerry and Esther McBride, in the Sioux Rapids area. She attended school there and later Buena Vista College. She was united in marriage to Joe McLaughlin on December 1, 1950. Together they created a home in Marathon, Iowa and raised their four children. She was a woman of strong faith, love of family, community, and nature. She will be remembered by her family and community for her kindness and love of all animals, especially those who were abandoned. 

Janet continued to live in Marathon and was active in the community. Some of the activities that she took the most pleasure in were her church, the UMW Faith Circle, and her membership in the Marathon Order of the Eastern Star. She was a Past Worthy High Priestess of White Shrine, a member of Abu Bekr Women’s Auxiliary, the American Legion Auxiliary, and her children’s school activities. She raised and showed Brittany Spaniels with her husband, Joe. They also had an active presence at the local Farmer’s Market and the Clay County Fair over the years.

Janet made a successful career as a secretary, bookkeeper, and licensed insurance agent. Later in her life Janet was led by her faith and love of community to attend Morningside College where she obtained her Lay Ministry Certification and was ordained as a Lay Minister. This role was perhaps her most fulfilling as she helped many in need of pastoral care in area churches and nursing homes. Janet served as a lay missioner and speaker prior to her illness in 2011. 

Janet is survived by her children-Kathy; Tom (Mari); Jim (Paulette); Granddaughter Erin (Paul) and two great grandsons. She was preceded in death by her daughter Elaine and husband Joe.

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