Barbara Anne (Belesca) McLaughlin 89, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at the Hellenic Nursing Home in Canton, Ma.

Barbara is survived by her sons John McLaughlin Jr. of Abington, MA, Thomas McLaughlin of Brockton, MA, Her daughter Jane and husband Sam Arena of Norton, MA, and Judy McLaughlin of Lone Tree, IA. Her grandchildren, John McLaughlin III of Portland, OR, Cookie McLaughlin of Boulder, CO, Tom McLaughlin of Whitman, MA, Shauna McLaughlin of Canton, MA, Christina McLaughlin of Rockland, MA, Sherri McLaughlin of Central City, IA, Sarah and husband Kyle Griswold of Attleboro, MA. Barbara is also survived by her beloved Great-Grandchildren Madison, Liam, Caleigh, Izabel, Finn, Nora, Cameron and Brock and her faithful friend and sister in law Ann Belesca. She is predeceased by her parents Leon and Anne Belesca, her brothers and sisters, Leo, Larry, Loretta, Dolly and Leona, her former husband (Jack) John McLaughlin, their daughter Paula McLaughlin, daughter in law Patricia McLaughlin, and her great-grandson Aidan McLaughlin.

Barbara was born on January 10, 1933 in Cambridge, MA. She attended Mass Hospital school in Canton, MA where she was treated for polio. Shortly after graduating she married Jack McLaughlin on March 28, 1954 and they raised their family in Rockland, MA. Her passion to help others led her to a career in legal services beginning at Brockton Legal Services, then onto Mass Law Reform in Boston.

Barbara’s greatest joy was taking care of those she loved. To know Barbara was to know her grandchildren. Her love for each and every one of them was immeasurable. She had a deep love for the beach. All of her grandchildren hold unforgettable memories of beach trips that lasted all day and always included a heaping tuna sandy-sandwich and Cape Cod chips. The ocean was a healing place for her and she always found great comfort in being there. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.

The McLaughlin family welcomes friends and loved ones to celebrate Barbara’s life on Friday, January 28, 2022 from 4:00-6:00 PM.