Alice Evelyn McLaughlin

Alice McLaughlin, 79, a lifelong learner, dedicated teacher and force of nature who fought for social justice, died on Sept. 23 in Horseheads, NY., surrounded by loving family.

The daughter of Alice (Hogue) and Maynard McLaughlin, was a Corning native, graduating from St. Vincent DePaul School, Notre Dame High School, and Nazareth College. She entered the Sisters of Saint Joseph in Rochester, taking the name Sister Mary Jerome, and began her teaching career at Our Mother of Sorrows School. In 1967, the National Catholic Education Association named Sister Jerome one of 40 Impact Teachers in the United States because of her ability to make learning exciting for her pupils.

Eventually, Alice left the convent, but her commitment to education and social justice never wavered. Alice went on to earn master's degrees in business and religion. Working for the Office of Human Development she ministered to migrant workers in Florida and New York State, even in the fields where she assisted with the grape harvest. She later worked as a pastoral educator and chaplain at Methodist Hospital in Minneapolis, Minn., and Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Ill.

Alice was devoted to her large extended family and broad circle of friends. She returned to the Corning area a decade ago, settling in the town of Catlin. In retirement, she continued to teach, worked part-time at the Guthrie Corning Hospital, was a parish volunteer, and tutored area students. She loved to read, cook, and travel to visit family and friends all over the world.

In 2010, with cousins Kay Sullivan and Sharon Ward, she collected favorite recipes and curated the McLaughlin Family Recipes cookbook.

Survivors include her brother Mac (Marilyn) McLaughlin of Shoreham, VT, and sisters Ann (Matt) Fennell of El Paso, TX, Sheila Reeder of Quakertown, NJ, and Lib (Jim) Dolan of Sayre, PA, as well as brother-in-law Dick Bassney of Rochester. Her brother Dan McLaughlin and sister Kate McLaughlin Bassney preceded her in death. Alice's 31 nieces and nephews, cousins, great nieces and great nephews will miss her energy, wisdom, and sense of nonsense, but especially her company.

Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5., at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Elmira, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow.

Contributions in Alice's memory may be made All Saints Academy, 158 State St., Corning, NY. 14830, where she was a volunteer.

Service Details
Home: Horseheads, New York
Visit Date: October 5, 2019
Service Date: October 5, 2019

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