Esther McLaughlin, 69, of Goose Creek, SC, widow of Robert Randall McLaughlin, died Monday, October 6, 2008 of congestive heart failure. She was born on April 9, 1939 in Glasgow, Scotland the daughter of James and Jean Cathcart. A loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Mrs. McLaughlin touched many people beyond her own family. Professionally, as a registered nurse in the surgical ward and during her 20-year career with the American Red Cross, she always enjoyed helping others. She coordinated blood drives across South Carolina, working to save lives every day. She was always a favorite at blood drives, many donors specifically requesting her to do the stick. Personally, she volunteered in her community and influenced many young lives as the T-ball coach for the Men-Riv Blue Angels, taking the team to numerous championships, including a first-place finish. She was actively involved in the Scottish Lassies Club, welcoming and mentoring new Scottish wives whose husbands had recently been stationed in Charleston. She was a founding member of the Scottish Society in Charleston and an active volunteer with the annual Charleston Scottish Games. Her family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and physical therapists that cared for her in Charleston, SC and Hampton, VA over the last few months. She is survived by her children, David McLaughlin and his wife Kelli of Goose Creek, SC and Janet McLaughlin of Norfolk, VA; four grandchildren: Kyle McLaughlin, Raelin McLaughlin, Skylar Nero and Allison Courtney; her brother, Jim Cathcart of Glasgow, Scotland, and countless friends she considered family. The memorial service will be held Saturday, November 1, 2008 at 5:00-7:00 PM in J. HENRY STUHR, INC., NORTHWOODS CHAPEL, 2180 Greenridge Road, North Charleston. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Esther McLaughlin Scholarship Fund, checks payable to Janet McLaughlin, mailing address: Esther McLaughlin Scholarship Fund c/o Janet McLaughlin, PO BOX 6007, NORFOLK, VA 23508.
The family requests that her friends please share a memory or story with them by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.

Published in the Charleston Post & Courier on 10/11/2008