Susan McLaughlin Obituary

A celebration of life for Susan Jane McLaughlin, 58, Lawrence, KS, will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, July 16, 2012 at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Lawrence. She died on Sunday, July 8, 2012 in Lawrence.

Susan was born Feb. 12, 1954 in Kansas City, MO, and adopted one month later by Drew and Marjorie McLaughlin of Paola, KS.

She graduated from Paola High school in 1972 and the University of Kansas in 1978 with a journalism degree. She sold advertising for the Journal-World newspaper, and then served as an elementary school secretary in Lawrence.

She later became a registered nurse and most recently worked in private nursing care.

Susan was an avid KU basketball fan and loved gardening, knitting, movies, dogs and especially time with her family and friends. She was known for her generous spirit, her adventurous nature and her clever sense of humor.

She married Mark Stremel on Oct. 17, 1981 in Lawrence. They had two daughters, Kristen and Kelly. They were divorced in 1987.

She married Brent Carpenter on Dec. 31, 1992 in Overland Park, KS. They had one son, Kyle.

Survivors include husband Brent, Lawrence; daughters Kristen McLaughlin-Stremel, Lawrence, and Kelly McLaughlin-Stremel, Schofield Barracks Army Post, Honolulu, HI; son, Kyle Carpenter, Lawrence; one brother Phil McLaughlin, and wife, Sarah, Paola, KS.

Susan's family will greet friends following the service at the church.

The family suggests memorials in her name to the Lawrence Humane Society or the McLaughlin Family Community Journalism Scholarship at the University of Kansas, and may be sent in care of the mortuary.

Online condolences may be sent to www.warrenmcelwain.com.

Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Jul. 12, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
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Brent, Kristin, Kelly and Kyle and all of Susan's extended family,

I am so very sorry to learn of Susan's death. I met her through her good friend Nancy. I have always enjoyed seeing her out and at jewelery party's. She was always smiling and friendly.

It won't be the same without her.
Sincerely,
Rita Lindsey

July 21, 2012

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Susan's vibrant personality. I will never forget her. She and I worked together at Alvamar Country Club and also at Hillcrest School. Our daughters were babies together. She came up with the name of my first daughter when I couldn't decide between Julia and Anna Marie . . . she said, use it all! And my daughter's name is Juliana Marie. She and the girls came to visit us and we made the rounds of site seeing in St. Louis, the Arch, Meramec Caverns, the Magic House, the Zoo. We had a girls night out, got a baby sitter and went to see the movie, "Thelma and Louise." I have never laughed so hard! My thoughts and prayers of condolence are with your family.

Jeanine Arrighi

July 19, 2012

I am so sorry to hear about Susan, it comes as a shock. Susan and I worked nights together at Pioneer Ridge, most of the time, it being just the two of us. She was a very funny, passionate person and I know she loved her family very much. She always put a smile on everyone's face and made the work nights that much easier. She will be missed dearly.

Candace Stebbins

July 18, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with you. Susan was in the class with my son Jim, she is gone much too soon.

Betty Ventura

July 18, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss. Susan was such a positive influence at Hillcrest. She always had a smile on her face and had an uncanny ability to keep us smiling.

Bill Armstrong

July 17, 2012

I was friends with Susan years ago. Park Side Addition, Paola, KS. We were both one of the neighborhood kids that played & eventually grew up together. Great times, fond memories. RIP Susan

Pam Debrick/Pringle

July 16, 2012

The news about Susan doesn't seem possible. I remember Susan as the funny school nurse who always made my day brighter. Please know that I am sorry for your loss.

Ruth Hughs

July 15, 2012

I was shocked to see an obituary for Susan. I haven't spent time with her for a long time but she and I knew each other well during the Hillcrest School days. She was one of the funniest human beings I have ever known. To her family, I am so very sorry for your loss.

Sincerely,
Terri Stringer

July 15, 2012

I recently met Susan and her son, Kyle. I will miss her infectious smile and sense of humor.

Kirk Vincent

July 13, 2012

To Susan's family, I am sorry for your loss. She was a pleasure to work with and was always filled with encouragment and never failed to make me laugh. I will miss her dearly. Godbless you all in this time of sorrow.

Joy Roth

July 13, 2012

So sorry to hear this. Susan always had a great sense of humor and we always laughed about our one funny date so long ago. You are in my thoughts.

Bill Peak

July 13, 2012

Phil, my thoughts are with you. Regardless of her age and her many accomplishments, to me Susan has always been that freckled-face tease with the big smile whom I babysat way back when.

Mary Pat McQueeney

July 12, 2012

With deepest sympathy to the family during your time of grief...Psalm 46:1...God is for us a refuge and strength, A help that is readily to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.

h

July 12, 2012

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