Maureen Jane (McLaughlin) Smith (2010)

MCLAUGHLIN, SMITH, HERZBERG

Posted By: Shirley Keating
Date: 4/15/2010 at 20:03:05

Des Moines Register
Des Moines, Iowa
April 15, 2010

Maureen Jane McLaughlin, Des Moines, Iowa

Maureen suddenly left us to be with God and her sister on April 13, 2010. She was born to Ray and Agnes McLaughlin on September 20, 1963 in Des Moines, IA. Maureen was the long-awaited first daughter of the McLaughlin household.

She grew up near Cumming, Iowa, along with her 5 brothers, later to be joined by another sister. Maureen graduated from Martensdale-St. Mary's high school in 1982 and attended the College of Nursing at the University of Iowa, graduating with a BSN in 1986.

Her life's work as a nurse began with the Little Sisters of the Assumption Family Health service in Spanish Harlem in New York City, working with women, such as Eve Kavanagh, who was the namesake for the Hospice of Central Iowa's Kavanagh house. She gave a year of volunteer service to this organization, which helped shape her life's mission; giving dignity to those who knew very unfortunate circumstances.

Following her years of service, she returned to Des Moines to work at Mercy Hospital and to travel overseas, most notably to Haiti for a reverse mission. During this time, she was active with Teens Encounter Christ and Residents Encounter Christ at the Iowa Correctional Institute for Women in Mitchellville, Iowa. Maureen was also active with peace and justice issues, often lending support to those whom she admired for their efforts to secure a more just and peaceful world.

In 1990, Maureen began her work with Hospice of Central Iowa, providing care to those who were dying and their families. Maureen had an unusual affinity for the care of the terminally ill, and countless families for whom she cared were grateful for her ability to ease the journey during an exceptionally difficult time.

In 1993, she married Brian Smith and in the 16 years that they were married, she worked again for several months as a volunteer for St. Jude's Hospital in Augier, St. Lucia, in the West Indies and they traveled extensively throughout the world together.

Maureen's most cherished vocation was that of wife and parent to her daughters, Anne and Bridget. She went to great lengths to be present to her daughters and husband, often working at night so she could be at home for her family.

Left to mourn Maureen's death are her daughters, her husband, her parents, Ray & Agnes McLaughlin, and her brothers; Rev Mike McLaughlin of Greenfield, Iowa; Rick McLaughlin and his wife Mary of Grimes, Iowa; Brian McLaughlin and his wife Debbie of Farmington, Minnesota; Marty McLaughlin and his wife Lisa of Marion, Iowa; Neal McLaughlin and his wife Char of West Des Moines. Her nieces & nephews are also grieving the loss of their beloved aunt.

Maureen was preceded in death by her younger sister, Diane Herzberg. Together, they now walk with the saints.

Visitation will be Friday, April 16, from 6 to 8 pm with a vigil service at 6 pm at Caldwell Raddatz Funeral Home, 8201 Hickman Road, Urbandale. A Mass of Resurrection for Maureen will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 2926 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, on Saturday, April 17, at 10 am.

To honor Maureen's memory, gifts can be made to the Des Moines Area Religious Council's Food
Pantry or to a college fund for her children. Online condolences may be made at www. Caldwellraddatz.com.

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