Obituary of Geraldine McLaughlin

Geraldine !McLaughlin "Beloved sister, aunt, and educator" Allegany, NY-- Miss Geraldine !McLaughlin, of 133 N. 5th St. passed away Monday (May 9, 2005) at the Olean General Hospital after a short illness. Born June 6, 1917 in Corydon, PA she as the daughter of James "Shine" and Romaine Griffin !McLaughlin. A lifelong Allegany resident, Miss !McLaughlin attended St. Bonaventure Elementary School and St. Elizabeth’s Academy, of which she was the valedictorian of her graduating class. She graduated from Buffalo State Teachers’ College and received her Masters from St. Bonaventure University in 1945. She furthered her education at St. Lawrence University where she received her guidance and elementary supervision certifications. Miss !McLaughlin taught at Allegany Central School starting in 1938, with concentrations in second grade, social studies, and guidance. She served as the first principal of the current Allegany Elementary school until her retirement in 1976. Throughout her life, Miss !McLaughlin served her church and local communities faithfully. She was a member of St. Bonaventure Church in Allegany and St. Peters Church in !DeLand, Florida where she wintered for many years. She was an active member of the Catholic Daughters, Lady Knights of Columbus, Cattaraugus County Retired Teachers, and was a life member of the New York State Retired Teachers Association and a charter member of Beta Epsilon Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma. She participated in the Olean Area United Way, serving as the secretary. She was a past local president of the Camp Fire Girls and was a member of its National Board. She was active in the American Cancer Society’s Reach for Recovery group, after surviving breast cancer herself. For many years, she volunteered at the Allegany Library and was a member of the library’s Board of Directors. She enjoyed traveling, playing bridge, and making cookies and jellies. Surviving are 3 sisters Celestine Welch of Allegany, Mary Elizabeth (Joseph) Eaton of Cuba and Anne (James) Kane of !DeLand, FL; 9 nieces and 7 nephews; several great nieces and nephews and many close loving friends. She was predeceased by her parents and a brother-in-law Chester Welch. Friends will be received at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean tonight from 7-9pm and on Wednesday from 2-4 & 7-9pm. Funeral services will be held Thursday (May 12, 2005) beginning with a prayer service at 9:30am in the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in St. Bonaventure Church. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. Memorials to the Allegany Library, the Allegany Engine Company, the American Cancer Society, St. Bonaventure Church or to a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.