Formerly of Oakland, MO, died peacefully at her home in Marthasville, MO, on Monday, April 22, 2019. The eldest child and beloved daughter of the late John F. (Jack) McLaughlin, Jr., and the late Frances Van Liew McLaughlin, Francy Lu loved her family, her friends and caregivers at the Emmaus Homes, country music, Cardinal baseball, sports stats in general, old-time gospel hymns, singing, playing the piano, paper, cards, notebooks and pens, going out to lunch, stuffed animals, undivided attention, talking on the phone and good conversation, coffee and sweet treats. She was a member of one of the first graduating classes at Litzsinger High School in Ladue, part of the then newly formed Special School District of St. Louis County. Both gifted and disabled, funny and mischievous, loving and stubborn, joyful and angry, gutsy and frail, Francy Lu had a profound impact on all who knew and loved her.
She is the beloved sister of the late John D. McLaughlin, James F. McLaughlin of St. Louis, Anne M. McLaughlin of Naples, FL, Claire P. McLaughlin of St. Louis, Nora K. Carr (nee McLaughlin) of Greensboro, NC, and Patrick T. McLaughlin of Kirkwood. Beloved sister-in-law of Glenn S. Condon, Kevin F. Carr and Jennifer “Jenna” Hayes McLaughlin. Beloved granddaughter, niece, cousin, aunt of 20 nieces and nephews, their husbands and wives, and great aunt of nine grand nieces and nephews. Heartfelt thanks from the extended McLaughlin family go to the Emmaus Homes of Marthasville and the United Church of Christ, hospice care, all caregivers and special educators, disability rights advocates, the Special School District of St. Louis County, Bopp Chapel and Saint Peter Catholic Church of Kirkwood.

Bopp Chapel