Barbara J. (Weatherbee) McLaughlin, 93, passed peacefully on Sunday, January 30, 2022. Barbara was born in Jamaica Plain, MA, on December 19, 1928, the daughter of the late Rev. Howard P. Weatherbee and Greta (Parker) Weatherbee. After graduating from high school, Barbara attended Boston University, earning an Associate’s degree in 1948. While at BU, Barbara met the man who would become her husband, Paul McLaughlin; they married in 1949. They had three children together; Laura Donahue of Bend, OR; Patricia Harkins of Coventry, CT; and Matthew McLaughlin of West Hartford, CT, all of whom survive him. In addition to her children, Barbara is survived by a son-in-law and daughter-in-law, and several grandchildren and great grandchildren. While raising their family, Barbara and Paul lived in several places, including Simsbury, before coming to West Hartford. While in her 40’s, Barbara decided to continue her education and attended Saint Joseph College in West Hartford, earning Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. After graduation, Barbara worked for several social service agencies counselling homeless people and people with substance abuse problems, first in Connecticut and then, after her divorce, in Maine. When she retired, Barbara moved back to Connecticut, living in Willington before settling back in West Hartford. Throughout her life, Barbara had a deep love for animals, both domestic and wild. She often had a dog and a cat at the same time and was completely devoted to them. She was fond of saying, “Dogs are people, too.” When she lived in Maine with her longtime companion Murdock Morell, they would walk or drive to places frequented by moose, deer, and birds in order to watch them. Barbara was also an avid reader and music lover, even taking piano lessons into her 80’s.

A private funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 3. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Connecticut Humane Society, 701 Russell Road, Newington, CT  06111 (https://cthumane.org/ways-to-give/). Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com