E. Lorene McLaughlin

E. Lorene (Regan) (Fitzgerald) McLaughlin, 84, of Leominster, formerly of Gardner, died peacefully Wednesday, January 10, 2024, in her home at Manor on the Hill.

Born in Somerville on August 12, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Ambrose J. and Alice E. (Scott) Regan. She was educated through the Somerville School System graduating from Somerville High School in 1957 and worked at New England Bell company as a telephone operator. Later, while raising her 3 children, she attended Burdett Secretary School earning an Associate in Secretarial Administration in 1970. Lorene was an administrative assistant employed by Dowd Paper Co. and Symons Paper Company, both for several years prior to her retirement in 1990. She was previously a receptionist for H&R Block and a secretary for ManPower Inc.

Lorene was a congregant of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church of Gardner. She had a passion for sewing, knitting, and quilting—making various items for events, charities, friends, and family over the years. Lorene was also an avid reader. She was a snowbird who, along with her husband, lived in Clearwater, FL, during the winter months for 18 years and took many trips to York Beach, ME. Lorene’s greatest joy was her family, treasuring the special moments together.

Lorene is survived by her husband of 45 years, Robert J. McLaughlin of Leominster; her children, Lynne F. Cole and her husband Walter of Chelmsford, Brian Fitzgerald and his significant other Celeste Gallagher of Townsend, Paula Nims of Gardner, David McLaughlin and his wife Justine of Lebanon, NH, and Joyce Murray and her husband Edward of Harwich; four grandchildren, Patrick, and Robyn McLaughlin, Ashley and Nicholas Murray; a great-grandchild, Kinsley McLaughlin; her four siblings, Mary Alice Lester and her husband Robert of Clearwater, FL, Michael Regan of Derry, NH, Ronald Regan and his significant other Joyce Runyon of Largo, FL, and Phyllis Arnold and her husband Gary of Gilford, NH; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her grandson, Tyler Nims; and a sister, Alma Perella.

Graveside Services will be held Friday, March 1, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the The Parkinson's Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York 10018, or on their website (https://www.parkinson.org). Please reference in memory of E. Lorene McLaughlin.