STOCKTON SPRINGS – As the sun was rising in Stockton cove, just above Blue Hill and as the birds were chirping, Kathleen A. McLaughlin of Stockton Springs and Estero, Fla., known as Kitty to all her friends, passed away peacefully June 27, 2012, surrounded by family at her home in Stockton Springs after a long three-year dignified and courageous battle with lung and brain cancer. Kitty was born Sept. 2, 1944, in Ayer, Mass., to Laura Odessa (Good) Spurlin and Forney E. Spurlin.
She traveled with her parents and went to 32 different schools until she settled into Winterport High School. Kitty made many lifelong friends while in this area, and Maine made a lasting impact on her life. She was a woman of many talents, interests and ambitions, and no life task was unattainable to her. Kitty had many passions: sailing, genealogy, animals and her family.
Estero, Fla., became her motivation as she battled cancer and she will always feel the sunshine on her face. People always commented on the infectious smile she sustained in and out of her diagnosis. Despite her success both personally and professionally, she had a humble approach that was innate, real; unpretentious. She is the matriarch of our family and a model of the betterment of another. Her mantra was “you-before me!”
Kitty was married for 19 fun filled years to her husband, Jack McLaughlin of Stockton Springs, where he always made her laugh. She wanted also to mention her prior marriage to Alex Korenkiewicz of Lisbon, Conn., whom she was married to for 28 years. Kitty had one daughter, Andrea, who is married to Douglas McKenna, both of Stockton Springs; granddog, Winston, loved “grandma mah.” He looked forward to his daily walks to Grand Mah’s house. Kitty was very close to her siblings, Spencer E. Spurlin of New Cannan, N.Y., Allan R. Sprulin of Hooper, Utah, and Claudia E. Weller of Littleton, Colo. They epitomize the definition of family. Aunts, Ann Adoff of Naples, Fla., Kathleen Currier of Oxbow; uncles, Bill Good and Arthur Good, both of Garfield; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Fondly mentioned is sister-in-law, Dolores Wood of North Stonington, Conn., whom they had many life adventures together. Along with running a successful business, they were more successful sustaining a lifelong friendship. Kitty and her family say thank you to Gary McLaughlin of Bangor and a special thank you to Jeff Davis of Stockton Springs. Kitty and her family would also like to acknowledge Derick E. McLaughlin of Bangor who was unselfish with his heart. Our entire family recognizes and appreciates the time you spent with her. Lifelong friends, Dale Wilson of Orrington, Sue Dodge of Plymouth, Mass., and Peggy Dichard of Nashua, N.H. Kitty appreciated many friends she made at MBNA/BOA, Belfast; Kitty quickly became an influential and respected colleague at MBNA/BOA. Kitty loved animals, Fernando “The Good Cat,” predeceased her. Fernando was a large part of her life. Fernando and Louis will now be managing her time well. Kitty and her family wish to acknowledge Dr. Andresscu and Theresa Mooney, R.N., of CancerCare of Maine along with Dr. Nicholeau of Bonita Springs, Fla., and Stockton Springs Medical Center for the wonderful care they provided her, and Kathy Warner of Waldo County Home Health and Hospice. We all felt your input and knowledge regarding Kitty’s illness provided her and her family with optimism, hope and realism. You will forever be a part of this family’s life.
A memorial service to recognize her life will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, July 1, at Sandy Point Congregational Church with the Rev. Ruth Martin officiating. Kitty stated in lieu of flowers, she would like any donations to be made to ASPCA.org or a local animal shelter that would benefit from a resource that otherwise would not be afforded to them.
Her love of animals was palpable. Arrangements are under the direction of Young Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 31 West Main St., Searsport.