Barbara Mclaughlin

Barbara Ann Dickinson McLaughlin of Fairview, passed away on Wednesday, August 19, 2015 at her residence, surrounded by her loved ones.

She was born a New Year’s baby on January 2, 1935 in Amherst, NY., a daughter of the late John Roger Dickinson and Jane Bruehl Dickinson Ackerman.

She was a 1952 graduate of Meadville High School where she met the love of her life, her late husband, Joe. Barb and Joe spent the first years of their marriage in Miami, FL where Barb worked for Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company. Upon their return to Pennsylvania, they settled in Fairview where they lived for the remainder of their lives.

Through the years, Barb was very active in the Fairview community having served as a Fairview High School cheerleading coach; on Fairview Community Council where she served as secretary for many years; Chairman of the Fairview Recreation Authority; President of the Fairview Area Historical Society; as well as a leader in both 4-H and Girl Scouts. She was a long time member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church where she was the church librarian for 40 years, lector, sang in the choir, served on the Vestry, was Vestry Clerk, and elected Junior Warden. She also sang with the Symphonic Singers and enjoyed watercolors. She was a member of the Revelers and Stardust Dance Clubs. She also had fun volunteering at the Tall Ships Festivals. She thoroughly enjoyed her pets, especially Shadow.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her most loving husband, Joseph R. McLaughlin after 46 years of marriage; a sister, Dorothy Jayne Sherry Davis; and infant brother; her sister- in- law, M. Norene Rhodes; and a nephew, Brian Rhodes.

She is survived by her daughter, Laurie Hitt and her husband Tom; her grandson Owen, all of Fairview; her niece and goddaughter, Catherine Sherry Roland of Alexandria, VA.; niece, Lisa Kita (Bob) of Colorado Springs, CO.; nephew, Eric Rhodes (Betsy) of Erie; great nieces and nephews, great great nieces and nephews and many cousins.

Friends may call at the Burton Funeral Home, 525 Main Street East, Girard on Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and are invited to attend a service at Wayside Presbyterian Church, 1208 Asbury Road, Erie, PA 16505 on Monday at 2:00 p.m. Burial to follow in the Fairview Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Fairview Area Historical Society 4302 Avonia Road, Fairview, PA 16415; or to a charity of one’s choice.