Patricia "Patty" E. McLaughlin

Patricia E. McLaughlin, 71, of Millcreek Township, died Saturday April 8, 2023 at Saint Vincent Hospital in Erie. Patty was born on March 17, 1952 in Erie, PA, the daughter of John and Charlotte Schade McLaughlin.

After attending Sacred Heart elementary school in Erie, she was a proud 1970 graduate of Villa Maria Academy. She attended Villa Maria College in the Cadet Program sponsored by Sacred Heart Parish. Patty taught at Sacred Heart school from 1972 – 1974.  Saint Andrew School in Erie was blessed to have Patty as a part of their teaching staff from 1974 to 2001 in various capacities, first as an exceptional classroom teacher, assistant principal, and then principal. It was a tribute to Patty how much the students and her colleagues respected and admired her. It is a fact that up to the time of her death, Patty was successful in staying in contact with some of her former students.

In addition, Patty earned a Master’s Degree in School Administration from Ursuline College in Cleveland Ohio.  In 2001, Patty served the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie in the Catholic School Office as the Director of Catholic Schools and Principal Personnel. In serving as a leader for Catholic Schools throughout our Diocese for over a decade, Patty always said: “I was blessed to be part of our Catholic school system.”

In January of 2013, Patty was appointed as the first Curriculum Director at Mercyhurst Preparatory School in Erie, a position which she not only enjoyed, but worked as diligently as always to serve students, teachers, and administrators. She retired from this position in June of 2017.

Patty enjoyed traveling and trips from a very young age. She traveled the country, lost count of the number of Disney World trips over all those years, and particularly enjoyed the beauty of Alaska and her ancestral home of Ireland no less than three times.

Patty was also an Associate of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania for many years and had a deep affection for them, as well as for the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas.

Survivors include her “adopted” sister and dear friend of 45 years, Joanne J. Carlburg, Joanne’s family including Peggy and Lou Ignaczak and their six children, Valerie (Eric), Ron, Jenny (Kenny), Natalie (Brian), Annie (Bob), and Julie, and grandchildren Alexa (Chris), Austin, Drew (Carrie), Jay, Lily, Ava, Holden, and Ellie who all affectionately referred to Patty as “Aunt Patty.” 

In addition, Patty was so very grateful for her many wonderful friends and colleagues who had supported her during her lifetime. She also felt very blessed by her amazing neighbors who were always there for her despite the time of day or what the circumstances were that surrounded her. She wanted to especially thank Virginia, Betty, Mary and Bob for their love and kindness.

Friends are invited to call Friday, April 14, 2023 at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic church, 2801 W.6^th St., Erie from 9:00 am until 10:00am at which time a Funeral Mass will be celebrated. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven cemetery. The mass will be livestreamed at saintjude.live.

Memorials may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania, 5031 West Ridge Road, Erie, PA 16506-1249 or the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Sisters of Mercy Motherhouse, 444 E. Grandview Blvd, Erie, PA 16504-2604.

Arrangements are being handled by the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, West Ridge, 3801 W.26^th St., Erie, PA.

Condolences may be sent to www.BurtonQuinnScott.com.