MEDWAY – Priscilla Helen McLaughlin, 93, was able to be reunited with her husband, Willard, and her daughter, Betty, on Friday, Aug. 16, 2013. She was born Aug. 4, 1920, in Fort Kent, daughter of William and Mary (Fortine) Dempsey.
Priscilla moved to Medway at a young age and graduated from Medway High School in 1939. She married Willard McLaughlin on June 15, 1940, and together they raised a family of seven children. This matriarch was dearly loved and respected by each and every member of her large family and, in return, they knew she loved him or her unconditionally. She showed her love in a number of ways, everyday. Priscilla would make a special effort to appear or mail a birthday card to every 50 plus immediate family members on their birthday. Special times were shared at the family home she helped build in Medway, playing games and giving undivided attention.
Christmas Eve brought the clan together at the homestead where Santa appeared in many shapes and sizes. The kitchen table was oftentimes packed at night with some very serious penny poker players. On many summer days the camp at Cedar Lake was filled to overflowing where new babies were passed around and rocked to sleep. She rejoiced in and supported her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren to the end.
A generous soul, Priscilla volunteered at numerous public and family functions and often gave tirelessly of herself to help promote the town of Medway. She founded Chapter No. 55 TOPS of Medway and served in several capacities for over thirty years in the organization.
Family members experiencing this sad departure are her children and their spouses, Elliott and Cecile Michaud, Gail and Johnny Libby, George McLaughlin and friend, Gerry Jones, Joan and David Michaud, Benjamin McLaughlin, Richard and Colleen McLaughlin, and Debra and Rick Levasseur. She will also be greatly missed by her numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, with three more arriving soon!
She also is survived by sisters, Mary and Geneva; brother-in-law, Keith Borello; and numerous nieces and nephews. Priscilla was predeceased by her loving husband, Willard; and her eldest daughter, Betty Michaud; brothers, George, Gordon, and William “Bill” Dempsey; and sister, Laura Pelkey.
Viewing will be 12:30-2:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18, at First Congregational Church, 11 Maple St., East Millinocket, with funeral services beginning at 2:30 p.m. with the Rev. Dottie Hutch, pastor, officiating. Following the services you are invited to join the family for light refreshments at the church. A graveside service will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, at Medway Cemetery, Grindstone Road, Medway.
The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to doctors, nurses, and staff of the Katahdin Health Care in Millinocket for the excellent care given to our Mother.
Those wishing to remember Priscilla in a special way may contribute to Katahdin Area Support Group, P.O. Box 374, Millinocket, ME 04462; or to a charity of one’s choice.
Arrangements are by Lamson Funeral Home, East Millinocket. Messages of condolence may be expressed at www.lamsonfh.com.
Priscilla Helen McLaughlin
