Kathleen McLaughlin 80 of Spring City, Tennessee, formerly of St Clair Shores, Michigan passed away Wednesday October 14, 2026 at her residence. She was born July 26, 1946 in Hackensack, New Jersey to the late Stanley and Virginia Lesnovich McLaughlin. After graduating from high school, Kathleen attended college at Eastern Michigan University and earned a Master’s Degree. She was an educator for several years before working for the Michigan Department of Motor Vehicles as an officer. Kathleen retired from that position after a 30 year career. She was of the Catholic faith. Kathleen enjoyed dogs, especially German Shepherds and had many of them during her life. She moved to Tennessee with her husband Robert is 2009.

Kathleen is survived by her husband; Robert Whipple, her son; Shawn Bates, her brothers;Stanley McLaughlin of Arizona and Andrew McLaughlin of Florida. She is also survived by her grandchildren; Allysa Bates and Aaron Bates.

Graveside services for Kathleen will be held Monday October 19, 2026 at 2:00pm in Friendship Cemetery in Spring City, Tennessee.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Animal Shelter Alliance of Rhea County at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/memorial-fund-6

There will be no visitation.

Vaughn Funeral Home of Spring City, Tennessee is charge of the arrangements for Kathleen McLaughlin. Please share your words of comfort and memories of Kathleen at www.vaughn-funeral-home.com