Roberta Mclaughlin

Roberta “Bobbie” McLaughlin, 71, of Millcreek, passed away at UPMC Hamot on Wednesday, September 23, 2015, surrounded by her loving family.

Bobbie was born April 18, 1944 in South Bend, Indiana to the late Robert and Mildred Metz.

Bobbie graduated from Central High School in South Bend and later attended Clark Technical School in Springfield, Ohio, where she earned her Degree in Nursing.

Bobbie excelled in her field, especially home healthcare. She was truly committed to her patients and remained in contact with several even after her retirement from Great Lakes Home Health Care in 2005.

Bobbie enjoyed spending summer vacations in Geneva on the Lake, Ohio, “Girls Night Out,” reading and competing in Words with Friends, meeting many international “Buddies.” She loved her family and spent time with her daughter, Angela, going to the casino. When urged, she would share the two stories of her brush with fame - sneaking out to drink beer in high school with her friend Michael Warren of Hill Street Blues fame and meeting Jack Palance on a flight to Philadelphia for a nursing conference.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a stepson, Richard J. McLaughlin, Jr.

She leaves behind her loving husband of 33 years, Richard J. McLaughlin, her children, Eric Durst (Barb), Angela Blasco (Robert), Mary McLaughlin (Perry Colosimo), Michael McLaughlin (Taryn), Joan McLaughlin, Christine Taylor, Ellen McLaughlin and her daughter-in-law, Desiree McLaughlin; her grandchildren - Ryan, Alexandria, Samantha, Trey, Michael, Katie, Sean, Eric, Marly, Gaven, Andrew, Allison, James, Jessica, Melissa and Hannah, as well as several great-grandchildren.

She will be dearly missed by her beloved cousin, Jan Dabrowiak (Dale), and her close friends, Danielle and Sue.

Bobbie’s family would like to thank the staff at UPMC Hamot, specifically Dr. Shanahan and the superb nursing staff of 6th South and the 7th Floor for providing compassionate and dignified care.

Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 West 26th Street, (at Powell Avenue) on Sunday from 2 until the time of service there at 4 pm.

Burial will be private and held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the ANNA Shelter, 1555 E 10th St, Erie, PA 16511, or the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, Western PA Chapter, 300 Penn Center Blvd

Pittsburgh, PA 15235.