Contributions to the tribute of Mary Michaelena McLaughlin

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The family of Mary Michaelena McLaughlin uploaded a photo

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

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The family of Mary Michaelena McLaughlin uploaded a photo

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

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The family of Mary Michaelena McLaughlin uploaded a photo

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

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S J V S Alumni Assoc. posted a condolence

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

On behalf of the executive and membership of the Saint John Vocational Alumni Association I send sincere sympathy on the passing of your dear cousin, niece and friend Michaelena McLaughlin. She certainly had a long, outstanding, spectacular and exciting life. Cherish the many memories you have all shared together with her and hold them close. Louise Craine, ('62), Alumni Liaison

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Robert and Sandra Clark posted a condolence

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Michaelena was Bob's secretary in Pakistan. I am sorry he is now suffering from Alzheimers and cannot respond, but I know if he could, he would say "Michaelene, you were the best". She was competent,loyal, fun-loving and always ready to support any suggestion he might have. It was an honour to know such a special lady.

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Sally Cummings - Rocmaura Nursing Home posted a condolence

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

I was saddened to hear of Michaelina's death. She was a kind and generous person. I met both her and her sister Florence when they wanted to donate some gifts to our Gala auction. They were so interesting, and fun to talk to about their wordly adventures, and I got a kick out of their sibling rivalry. Mike was ahead of her time. A rare gem. I'm positive she impacted everyone who was fortunate to know her. Caring thoughts are with your family. She will be missed.

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Janet Scollard posted a condolence

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

I am so grateful my life path crossed with Michaelenas, even for a short time in her retirement home in Ottawa. Michaelena was a good friend to my grandmother Marion Rankin who lived down the hall from Michaelena - my grandmother really enjoyed her confidence, energy and their conversations over mealtimes... After my grandmother passed away I continued to visit with Michaelena... I loved her positivity and generousity... I also worked in Ethiopia and travelled internationally so we enjoyed sharing memories of Addis Ababa... what an amazing woman and role model to myself as well as good friend to my late grandmother, my condolences to Michaelena's family and friends - she truly was a gift to so many lives.

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Marijke Blok posted a condolence

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

So sorry about Mike. she was indeed a larger-than-life figure. When I was a kid, she was a real-life movie-star, to me. I always enjoyed her stories and her genuine enthusiasm for the places and people she met in her adventurous career. What a wonderful, inspiring aunt for you all!

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Elsa Hancock posted a condolence

Monday, November 23, 2020

Michaelena was an amazing person and I am so glad she had such a long and happy retirement. I found the obituary fascinating as it told me about her earlier life before joining the Canadian Foreign Service. I was a member of the British Foreign Office and met Michaelena in Beirut in November 1982 where I was posted on a 6 months temporary duty. I managed to find my 82 and 83 diaries and was able to remind myself of those somewhat dangerous days. But they drew everyone closer together. Michaelena introduced me to Danish and American friends. There were a number of social occasions and I commented about a guitar recital which we all enjoyed. I spent Christmas with British colleagues in the historic city of Baalbeck and discovered Michaelena was staying in the same hotel. The diaries brought it all back to life. Michaelena and I didn't serve together for long, but we always kept in touch with long letters/emails over the years. I really admired all her charity work and was delighted when she was awarded the Order of Canada. I shall be with you all in spirit on the 24th and hope that I shall be able to use your link to the funeral service.

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Keiko Lopez Fujimaki posted a condolence

Saturday, November 21, 2020

I was very sorry to hear that Michaelena had passed away recently. I was sent to Pakistan by the Japanese government aid agency (JICA) and first met her in the autumn of 1991 at a Catholic Church in Islamabad. When I learned she had worked in many embassies, including Tokyo, I gave her a couple small bags of instant Japanese miso soup. She was very pleased about such small things and we have been friends ever since. I often went out with Michaelena to a Chinese restaurant or something like that. I also remember one day, we went to visit a Pakistani family who lived in the outskirts of Islamabad in Michaelena's car. On the way back, her tire was punctured, so she called someone to come and fix it. We waited and waited until the person eventually came... it was an interesting day! When I went back to Japan in April 1992, I married Enrique who had visited me in Islamabad and met Michaelena there. She remembered him very well and asked me about him often. Before Michaelena received the Order of Canada, she sent a piece of fabric that she had her dress made from, and later she sent a newspaper article about the ceremony. I also remember her letter announcing, all of sudden, that she had decided to go back to St John, her home town... Although I had not seen Michaelena for 28 years, I remember her very well and am very grateful that she kept in touch for such a long time. She was a wonderful, exceptional person! Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss of your great aunty. Keiko Lopez Fujimaki

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Wudassie Tamrat posted a condolence

Saturday, November 21, 2020

It is difficult to think that the world has lost such a kind, compassionate and loving person such as Michaelena. While we were not connected by blood relation, she treated us like her family and showed us unconditional love. She took our family, newly immigrated to Canada, and showed us about the history, beauty, and culture this country as to offer and helped us transition to a new life and a new home. It is therefore with heavy hearts that we now say goodbye to this incredible person, who touched so many hearts and minds during her time on this earth. However, we take comfort in knowing that she is now resting in peace alongside the Father. Our prayers rest with Michaelena's family during this difficult time. Please know that you can lean on us - we are here for you. With love and sadness, Semaneh, Tewabech, Wudassie and Meseret

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Stephanie Kingston posted a condolence

Thursday, November 19, 2020

I had met Michaelena at Shannex, where we had some very interesting conversations together. She was a very vibrant woman, and I miss her. - Stephanie Kingston

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Brenda Staples posted a condolence

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

My sincere condolences to Michaelena's family and friends. I use to chat with Michalena at the St. Brigid's church functions and other socials with the group of parishioners - a close knit, fun loving group of parishioners. This is how I met Michaelena. She was always so interesting to speak to and so kind. Her life was an inspiration to many, a life well lived.

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Edward Dagenais posted a condolence

Sunday, November 15, 2020

I am extremely saddened to learn of the passing of my beloved friend, and sister in Our Lord Jesus Christ, Ms. Michaelena McLaughlin. I am so privileged to know such a, compassionate, intelligent, caring, and wonderful woman, as Michaelena. My parents, and I, were very fortunate to have had numerous opportunities, not only to visit Michaelena in Saint John, but also to welcome her into our home in Montreal. I was always made to feel very special in her eyes, as well as the rest of her loving family. I can still recall her vivacious smile each time we met, along with an incredible ability to regale us with fascinating stories of her trips abroad. One of my most fondest memories was in 1979, during one of her visits to us in Montreal, in which she so vividly described the courage of the citizens of Beirut, during a tumultuous and violent time in the country's history. I wish to express my most heartfelt condolences to all her nieces, nephews, and her entire extended family. I pray that you all take comfort in the knowledge that Michaelena is now, in the loving and caring hands, of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In closing, my dearest Michaelena, may the Lord, Our Savior, keep you close to his sacred and benevolent heart all the days of your life. Edward Dagenais

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Joanne McGraw posted a condolence

Sunday, November 15, 2020

I thought I'd share some quotes from notes I've received directly. Seems a shame that I be the only one to see them. Joanne (niece) "I served with Michaelena in Lagos in 1984. A remarkable woman who embraced life in the foreign service to the fullest. Her dedication, professionalism and courage were recognized when she was named to the Order of Canada by then Governor General Romeo Leblanc a fellow New Brunswicker." Robert "I last talked to her a couple of weeks ago and will certainly miss our regular phone calls. What an amazing, generous and fun woman she was." Julienne "Indeed Michaelena was a very special person. Your words are perfect, an amazing, generous and fun woman. She will definitely be in our prayers." Miguel "I fondly remember being on posting with Michaelena in Kuala Lumpur in 1983. She was an amazing gal and always in such a good mood. She sure helped make the time more enjoyable for all of us. May she R.I.P." Roly "Michaelena was a great lady! I remember our conversations way back when I was a grad student counting Sunday collection. She will be missed." Paul "I truly believe that Michaelena has always been a gift of God for others and myself. She had a compassion, strength and generosity for all whom she encountered, especially the poor and the needy. God's special favour be upon her." Alicia "Oh I am so sad to hear this news. Michaelina was one of the most interesting people I have ever met. She was a great story teller, she was funny, but most of all so kind and giving. A wonderful loving lady. Rest In Peace Michaelina" Lynda "Quite the character. RIP" MaryLou

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Bernadette Freyne posted a condolence

Sunday, November 15, 2020

I knew Michaelena many years ago when she was secretary in the Canadian Embassy in Ethiopia. She was an extraordinary woman and good friend to all missionaries there. We kept in touch for some years after but have not corresponded for some time. I've often thought of her; remembering her loving generous nature and boundless energy. Sad to hear of her death. May she rest in peace ... or maybe plan a party in Heaven for all her friends!! With much gratitude for the gift she was to many, Sr Bernadette Freyne

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Anne Dammarell posted a condolence

Sunday, November 15, 2020

We gather again in a disguised stupor dealing with reality this morning. This time sans incoming missiles. During routine Beirut crisis 101 Michaelena would get us all in shape by dashing across the Green Line for Dave and John. Odd how many memories of Beirut are of continued conversation while nonchalantly walking away from windows balancing a plate of food and a cup of wine. A Michaelena specialty was eating homemade ice cream on her porch listening to the call to pray rebound across the city. She must be figuring out how to calm us during the counting of the ballots. Maryknoll has the habit of getting folks together in sticky wicket situations with the hope that all will be well. Let us practice patience.

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Jenny Barger posted a condolence

Sunday, November 15, 2020

News of Michaelena's death actually reached me on All Souls' Day significantly, so I was able to add her to my list of people to pray for. I think she would have found that appropriate! I have passed the message on to those she knew amongst my friends, and though we are all saddened by this, I cannot think of anyone who had lived such an active and wholly giving life as she did! She livened the Canadian High Commission here in Islamabad enormously, and it has not returned to that level of generous giving at any point since. When I had small kids who used the pool, she would immediately bring fresh baked cookies to be shared by them all! Her stories were legendary! In my brief visit to Ottawa, she hosted me so generously. She invited all the Canadians who had ever known me, as their medical doctor, to come and party! She never said no to anything she was asked to do for others or for charitable causes! I am still in Islamabad so have not had a chance to see her for many years, but I will never forget her! Michaelena was a very special person in my life and the lives of many here!

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Katherine Arkay posted a condolence

Sunday, November 15, 2020

My mother was a resident at The Edinburgh from 2011 to 2015 and I was a volunteer there for years extending from before to after my mother's stay there. I knew and greatly appreciated Michaelena. She was a wonderful, positive person. Of note we played Scrabble together and we worked on the allocation of the residents' Christmas bonus for staff. I was sorry when Michaelena moved east but was glad that she would be close to important family. She was missed at The Edinburgh. I am sorry that her time on this earth is over but respect and applaud what she accomplished and how she lived her life.

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Margaret Meurant posted a condolence

Friday, November 13, 2020

Everyone here is sad with Michaelena’s passing but are so pleased to know she didn’t have to suffer in her final days. Michaelena touched so many lives, especially those of her friends from St Brigid’s and St Theresa’s. We are so glad that she continued to keep in touch with a number of us over the past 4 years since she moved to New Brunswick - right up until a short 2 weeks ago. What a beautifully written obituary on the funeral home site! She would be very proud of everything that was said about her! It sums up her life perfectly - especially the bright colours! Michaelena will be missed by many. I will really miss her phone calls - it was amazing how we always found so much to chat about each time, but we both like to chat!! Michaelena was such an amazing person and she was so blessed to have had such a sharp mind right up until the end. I wonder if Castle Funeral Home do live streaming of funerals- either on their website, through Facebook or YouTube. If so, it would be special if we could ‘virtually attend’ Michaelena’s funeral.

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Nancy Scollard posted a condolence

Friday, November 13, 2020

We got to know Mike when she was at The Edinburgh in Ottawa where our mum also was. She was my mum’s best friend. We all enjoyed her enthusiasm about life. I really do miss not being able to visit her when I go to Ottawa.

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Beth Miller posted a condolence

Friday, November 13, 2020

Oh, how I loved Michaelena...the time she was at The Edinburgh and I got to take her on many outings with my friend Mairi - she made our time together so much better. My only holiday in years was spent with her - I drove from Ottawa to see her in Saint John two summers ago and it was wonderful. My funniest memory is when she told me in some of the places she’d lived that men would approach her and ask where her husband or chaperone was - she would say she was a widower with 10 kids and was looking for a husband - then she would count how long it took them to flee - we laughed a million giggles over that one! When she was leaving Ottawa I cooked her a going away dinner for 10 of her dearest friends - I made a dish from each country she had lived in on behalf of Canada and my daughter made little toothpick flags - we had fun matching the flag to the country’s food. It was an amazing night. We grew so close organizing the mass every week in the penthouse of The Ed...she was a devout Catholic and it was a pleasure to share that with her too. I know she is with the Lord and at peace. I look forward to seeing her in heaven.

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The Reid Family Reid posted a condolence

Friday, November 6, 2020

It is with deep affection that mourn the passing of Michaelena. Having always felt a deep connection with the McLaughlin Family as our parents rented from Michaelena"s parents for many years, and to their wonderful daughters Michaelena, Florence, Kathleen and Eileen, we looked upon them as close extended family. We were regularly included in their celebrations, i.e. luncheon after Christmas Midnight Mass or a day in Loch Lomond with the McGraws on their annual summer visit. Michaelena on trips home from far off Postings often delighted the neighborhood children with gifts. We actually still have a doll from Prague. We particularly remember a trip to Boston with Florence and her mother. Michaelena was posted to Boston at the time. As her apartment was in the Beacon Hill area adjacent to the State House, it was the height of excitement for 3 young teenagers. We will always cherish all our memories of Michaelena and the McLaughlin Family.

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Denise Conway posted a condolence

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

Michaelena was a role model for many of us here in Ottawa. She did what she wanted to do, took an interest in other people, and opened herself up to conversations with everyone. She didn't sweat the small stuff, and had a point of view on the important issues of our time. A real kindred spirit. May she rest in peace.

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Clementine-Ann Remedios posted a condolence

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

My family and I are so sad to hear of Michaelena's passing. She was a wonderful, kind and generous person. We knew Michaelena when she was in Islamabad, Pakistan and over the years we have kept up with news about her. Our prayers and thoughts with her family.

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Linda Breau posted a condolence

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

Dear McLaughlin Family. I knew Florence her sister who would have coffee with us at Mc Donald's and bus trips with Alma Hazel. I did meet Mike as Florence called her a few times. She was very well spoken and friendly. God Bless the Family! Love and Prayers .

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Jane and Chris Harley posted a condolence

Monday, November 2, 2020

So sorry for your loss ....Farewell My Friend !!! I will certainly miss our talks and your amazing stories but most of all the friendship we have formed over the years starting from phone calls from Ottawa and your move to Saint John

Mary Michaelena McLaughlin

1923 - 2020

Mass of Christian Burial

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