Sharon McLaughlin

Sharon McLaughlin, 71, beloved wife and best friend of Paul McLaughlin, Jr., departed this life unexpectedly on November 24, 2020. Sharon was born in New Haven, CT on July 10, 1949 to the late Edward and Ruth Linsley and grew up in East Haven.

Sharon and Paul’s love story began in a McDonald’s parking lot in 1966, when Paul bounced a football off of her car to get her attention, and they have been together ever since. They married in 1970 after Paul's return from serving in Vietnam and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past February. Sharon was a loving wife and mother, who took joy in raising her two sons Brian and Shawn, of whom she was so proud. After both left for college, she spent her time traveling with Paul to many beautiful beaches and enjoyed gardening around the house.

Later in life, she was a proud and doting grandmother, who showered her three grandchildren Marina, Chase, and Giuliana with love in an indescribable way, taking immense joy in being with them; leading “pretend” bus rides on the stairs, playing games of hide and seek, watching their sports matches, and building gingerbread houses every Christmas.

Prior to her retirement, she spent 20+ years working at the Independent Day School, where she loved being around the children and helping each of them in whatever way she could.

Sharon leaves behind her husband Paul, her son Brian McLaughlin and his wife, Kristin, and their three children of Marlborough, CT, her son Shawn McLaughlin and his wife, Cass, of Simsbury, CT, and many special cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, December 2nd from 5-7pm at the B.C. Bailey Funeral Home, 273 S. Elm Street, Wallingford. Due to COVID-19, the family will be adhering to strict protocol including social distancing.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sharon’s name may be made to The Beech Tree Fund at the Independent Day School (https://www.independentdayschool.org/support-ids). A life celebration will be held at an appropriate time in the future. To leave a message of remembrance, please visit, www.bcbailey.com.

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