Obituary of Myrna McLaughlin

Myrna McLaughlin

Our hearts will forever be broken. Myrna McLaughlin “Nanny” passed on Oct 28^th in the early morning at Lakeridge Health Oshawa at 84 years young. She will always be remembered for how much she enjoyed life, her sense of style and class. It brought her so much joy to be around people, she was always laughing. A laugh that stood out when you heard it, you knew Myrna was there.

Myrna was born on a small Island in New Brunswick, the only daughter of Marcia and Wilfred. She was the apple of her father’s eye. After coming to Oshawa in 1956, she embraced the city and made it her own. While raising her family she was an active Home and School volunteer. During the 1970’s and 80’s she mentored junior high students in reading and life. After working in retail, she earned a certificate in computer literacy at Durham College and joined R and S Orthodontic Laboratory Ltd. where she fostered relationships with dental offices all over North America and the world. 

Myrna is survived by her three children, Sonja (Steve), Gerald (Pam) and Martha. She also leaves 7 grandchildren, Ross (Madeline), John (Rachel), Glen (Natalie), Alexis, Serena, Paige and Payton. Last year she became a Great Grandmother to Sophia. She is also survived by her brother Carl.  She was predeceased by her parents, partner Morley (1999) and former husband John McLaughlin (father of her children). Wayne was a dear friend who predeceased her, and she missed him dearly.

She loved her grandchildren fiercely, her “boys” and her “girls”. She was “Nanny” to them. She always told them how proud of them she was, and no one will ever be as excited at their accomplishments as she was. She would light up when she spoke to them, and it was clear she loved them deeply. The newest addition, a great-granddaughter “little Sophia” made her heart melt. She said, “She is perfect” and that she is, forever grateful she could get to know her.

Myrna had a long list of friends who she cared for deeply. Some she saw daily and others not often, but they all knew she loved them dearly. Special mention to long-time friends Geraldine and Charlene who were a huge part of her daily routines and went above and beyond. She was very grateful.

Myrna’s family wish to express sincere gratitude to Rhonda, all the neighbours, PSWs and friends whose help was instrumental in her remaining in her own home. Everything from food deliveries to rides to appointments were covered.

Special thanks to Dr. Anthony Naassan at the Durham Regional Cancer Centre for guiding her through 10 Years of treatment for multiple myeloma. 

Myrna told us she did not want to say goodbye. She did not want to miss anything and wanted to keep watching football and baseball and wanted to know how she did in the football pool. We find peace in knowing she will no longer be in pain. She fought hard for 10 years. We know she wanted to keep fighting. It was so important to her to see her grandchildren’s successes. Our memories of her will give us strength and above all we know that she will be beside us, unseen, unheard but always nearby.

Family and friends will be received for a visitation at the DeStefano Funeral Home, 1289 Keith Ross Drive, Oshawa, ON, on Sunday November 12th from 2-4pm. Fittingly, during that time, her eldest grandson will attend her beloved Steelers home game against the Green Bay Packers in Pittsburgh. Yes, she did ask if she could go with him. The Super Bowl will never be the same to watch without her.

Those wishing to make a donation in Myrna’s memory are asked to consider Myeloma Canada. Recent research and new drugs helped to extend her life past the usual 5 years. We are grateful to those committed to finding new treatments and hopefully someday a cure. 

MYELOMA CANADA