Kathleen Mary McLaughlin

Kathleen Mary McLaughlin, 62, of Chicago, Illinois, died on Nov. 2, 2025 (All Souls’ Day), at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, from Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.

Kathy was born on May 20, 1963, in Detroit, Michigan. She is survived by her parents James and Noreen (Lynch) McLaughlin; siblings Maureen Klein (Michael); Nora Carichner (Gordon); Daniel; and Sheila Kramer (Jonathan). Kathy was the aunt of nine: Peter Klein; Charles Klein (Amanda); Dashiell Carichner; Aidan Carichner; Tess Carichner; Reagan McLaughlin; Reilly McLaughlin; Griffin Kramer; and Vivian Kramer. She also leaves behind many dear friends in Chicago and beloved colleagues at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, including best friend Nancy DeCorrevont. Through her years of cancer treatment, and especially toward the end of her life, Kathy was deeply thankful for the love and support that was offered so generously by her many incredible friends and family members.

Kathy graduated from St. Linus Grade School in Dearborn Heights, MI in 1977; Divine Child High School in Dearborn, MI in 1981; Mercy College of Detroit nursing school in 1985; and Rush University in Chicago’s graduate program in nurse anesthesia in 1993.

After earning a master’s in science, Kathy worked for almost 30 years as a nurse anesthetist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Previously, she worked as an intensive care nurse for six years at Harper Hospital in Detroit.

Kathy will be remembered for her dedication to her family — particularly her parents — and her compassionate care for her countless patients. Despite her many years in Chicago, Kathy remained a devoted fan of the Detroit Red Wings and other Detroit sports teams. She also had a passion for pulling weeds, planting flowers, sending greeting cards, getting in her 10,000 steps daily, antiquing, thrifting, playing the Powerball, watching HGTV and Jeopardy, enjoying Hallmark movies, and traveling widely throughout the United States and abroad. Kathy enjoyed nature, even simple pleasures like smelling lilacs in the spring, and watching birds from the kitchen window as she drank her morning coffee in Fredonia. She also was adept at identifying freighters as they sailed on Lake Michigan or the Detroit River.

Kathy always had a hobby, whether it was Irish step dancing, cake decorating, baking Christmas spritz cookies, learning about Chicago bungalows, or reading mysteries, particularly books by Agatha Christie. Many have commented on the graceful way that Kathy carried herself, as well as her beautiful smile. She also could wear a hat well, and antique jewelry was a memorable part of her persona.

Funeral services were held on November 14, 2025 at St. Linus Catholic Church in Dearborn Heights, MI. The Rev. James Lopez officiated. Interment will be in St. Clair, MI. Donations in Kathy’s memory are appreciated to Wellness House in Hinsdale, IL or Seedlings: Braille Books for Children.