Patricia A McLaughlin

Patricia A. (Prehn) McLaughlin, 83, graced this world on August 19, 1940, in Harvard, Illinois, and sadly departed on March 9, 2024, in Rockford, Illinois. She was born to Stuart and Alice (McCarthy) Prehn. She married David R. McLaughlin in Rockford on January 14, 1961. A woman of grace and strength, she touched the lives of many with her kindness and compassion.

In her free time, Patricia found joy in various hobbies such as involvement with church activities at St. Peter’s Cathedral, staging homes for realtors, interior design, cooking, singing, and sharing captivating stories with those around her. Her creative spirit and passion for life were truly inspiring to all who knew her. She had very fond memories of growing up in Harvard with her siblings and many aunts and uncles and cousins. She loved the water and spent many childhood summer days in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. She imparted her love of water to her children.

Those who carry Patricia's memories in their hearts are numerous. Her legacy lives on through her cherished children, Celeste (Devon Bergman) Dolan, Peter (Julianne Martin) McLaughlin, Elise (Lynnwood Brown) McLaughlin, Jill McLaughlin, Jennifer McLaughlin, and Benjamin McLaughlin; her grandchildren, Jack Dolan, Molly McLaughlin, Noah McLaughlin, August McLaughlin, Jimmy Brown, and Rowena Brown; siblings, Mary Cunningham, Susan Neuschwanger, and Peter Prehn (Anne Prehn); sister-in-law Judy Prehn and brother-in-law Tom Krause; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In her journey through life, Patricia was joined by an array of loved ones who now mourn her passing. She is reunited in eternal peace with her beloved husband, David; her dear parents; and her siblings, Kathleen Pritchard (Gail Pritchard), Michael Prehn, and Margaret Krause.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL 61103. A Rosary service will take place at 6:45 p.m.

A visitation for Patricia will take place again on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N. Church St., Rockford, IL 61103 with Patricia’s beloved nephew Reverend James Prehn, S.J. officiating. Burial to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Please share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.