Obituary of Gail V.M. McLaughlin

With heavy hearts, the family announces the unexpected passing of our mother, Gail Verta Mavis McLaughlin on Friday, May 13, 2022, six days prior to her 95th birthday, at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital. Born May 19, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Ernest and Ima Mildred (Rutledge) London. Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, UNB Professor Emeritus Robert H.B. "Bob" McLaughlin in 2014. She is survived by her children, Dr. Pamela McLaughlin of Stanley, N.B., and James R. "Randy" (Lynne) McLaughlin of Saint John, N.B.; sister, Brenda I. Chapman of Lakeville Corner, N.B.; grandchildren, Kamryn N.L Smith (Matt Hunt) of Fredericton, and Maureen E.A. (Ryan) Murnaghan of New Glasgow; great grandchildren Mya and Olivia Murnaghan of New Glasgow, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. In her younger years, Gail was an avid curler and golfer, and served on many boards in various positions including vice-president, president and past president of the Fredericton Golf & Curling Club. On more than one occasion she also served positions with the Real Estate Board of Canada, as well as maintaining an active involvement in the N.B. Real Estate Board. She was very involved with the Women’s Faculty Club at UNB, as well as an avid member of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery and the Fredericton Art Club, and a past member of the Capital Curling Club. She had a passion for interior decorating and design, a strong eye for fashion, and modeled in many local fashion shows. She always had time to stop and talk, and had a great love for animals. In her early life, Gail moved to Fredericton from Maquapit Lake where she had grown up, and set out as a young girl to earn a living and enjoy life. After working and living in Fredericton for a period of time, mom went to night school and learned to be a bookkeeper, working for various Fredericton retail outlets including Creghan’s and G.E. Georges. Mom met dad at a Saturday night dance at the Garrison Club, where he walked her home after the dance, and they soon began dating. She reportedly told her girlfriend that he was the man she was going to marry, and sure enough the rest is history. They married in 1949 and enjoyed 65 years together before dad passed in 2014. Gail had many accomplishments during her life, but family always came first for her. After being a stay-at-home mom to her two children, Gail went on to have a very successful career in Real Estate, achieving the designation of "FRI" (Fellow of the Real Estate Institute), which is an elite designation awarded to Real Estate professionals who have met rigorous advanced education requirements through the Real Estate Institute of Canada. During her career, she won numerous sales awards and became a Real Estate Broker as well, working with such notable companies as Central Trust and Gardiner Realty in Fredericton. Visitation will take place at McAdam’s Funeral Home on York Street on Wednesday, May 18, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, May 19 at 12 noon at St. Dunstan’s Catholic Church on Regent Street. A private family interment will follow the service. Due to COVID restrictions, there will not be a reception following the services, and face masking is required at both venues. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.