Ellen M. McLaughlin… aid to state officials, active in politics, 51
TEWKSBURY: Ellen M. McLaughlin, age 51, a former press secretary for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts office of the State Treasurer, died Thursday evening, October 9th at the Blaire House following a lengthy illness.
Born in Medford on July 20, 1952, she was the daughter of the late John A. McLaughlin, Jr. and Juliet “June” (Nazzaro) McLaughlin.
She was raised in Tewksbury and attended Tewksbury schools. Miss McLaughlin graduated from Tewksbury Memorial High School in 1970. Following graduation, she attended Harvard University.
Prior to her illness, she was employed as press secretary for former Massachusetts State treasurer Robert Q. Crane and was previously employed as the personal secretary to Biff McLean who was the majority leader of the House Ways and Means Committee during the mid 1970’s. She worked on numerous political campaigns and was the campaign manager for Paul Sheehy during his run for Congress.
Miss McLaughlin resided in Tewksbury most of her life and attended St. Williams Church.
She is survived by1 sister; Katie A. Donovan and her husband Tewksbury Deputy Police Chief Alfred P. Donovan of Tewksbury; 2 brothers; John A. McLaughlin, III and his wife Sheila (Neary) of Palm City, FL and Neil F. McLaughlin and his wife Laura (Hanson) of Tewksbury; 4 nieces; Maria Sarcia-Borino, June Donovan, Shannon and Mara McLaughlin; 3 nephews; Ryan and Michael Donovan and John McLaughlin and her dear friend; Anne Duncan; also many aunts, uncles and cousins. She was the sister of the late June C. and Michael G. McLaughlin.
Calling hours Monday 9-11 a.m. at the FARMER & DEE FUNERAL HOME, 16 LEE ST., TEWKSBURY, followed by her Funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. at St. Williams Church 1351 Main St., Rte. 38, Tewksbury. Burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. At the request of the family please OMIT FLOWERS. Memorial contributions to Blaire House, 10 Erlin Terrace, Tewksbury, MA 01876 or to Merrimack Valley Hospice, 360 Merrimack St., # 9, Lawrence, MA 01843 would be appreciated. www.farmeranddee.com