Kathleen M McLaughlin, age 75, passed away peacefully surrounded by so much love on June 6, 2026, in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kathleen was a proud Philly girl through and through. She never outgrew her love for the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles and remained fiercely loyal to her hometown teams throughout her life.
Kathleen was a force of nature; feisty, funny, and unapologetically herself. She spoke her mind, stood her ground, and never left anyone wondering where she stood. Her quick wit, infectious laugh, and larger-than-life personality made her the life of every party and the source of countless stories that her family and friends will cherish forever.
Long before moving to Florida, Kathleen loved the beach. There was something about the sound of the waves, the feel of the sand, and the hunt for the perfect seashell that brought her peace and happiness. After making Florida her home, she continued to enjoy collecting shells and spending time near the water she loved so much.
Kathleen’s strength was unmatched. Several years ago, she courageously battled and defeated stage 4 mouth cancer, facing one of life’s toughest challenges with determination and resilience. It was just one example of the toughness and spirit that defined her.
She was a devoted mother to Kellyanne Drach Suarez, Patrick Dougherty, Kate Dougherty, and Brianna Moraton, and a beloved mother-in-law to Kevin Gormley and Sergio Moraton. She was also a proud grandmother to Kirstie Gormley, Elijah Gormley, Leiah Gormley, Hector Fernandez Jr., Sheena Fernandez, Ava Fernandez, Arya Fernandez, and Maddox Moraton, each of whom brought immense joy to her life.
Kathleen is survived by her brother, Tim McLaughlin, and was preceded in death by her brother, Arthur McLaughlin.
Kathleen was the daughter of Margaret “Peggy” Hogan McLaughlin and Arthur McLaughlin.
While her family mourns her loss, they also celebrate a life lived boldly, honestly, and on her own terms. Kathleen leaves behind a legacy of strength, laughter, and love. She will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and impossible to forget.
We take comfort in imagining Kathleen where she was happiest walking along a beautiful beach, collecting seashells, cheering on her Phillies and Eagles, and telling everyone exactly what she thinks.
