Sister St. Edward McLaughlin, RSHM, died peacefully at Marymount Convent, Tarrytown, NY, on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. She was 85 years of age and had been a member of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary for 66 years.
She was born Margaret Mary McLaughlin in White Plains, NY, on October 15, 1938, to Edward A. and Florence Ehardt McLaughlin.
She received a BA in English from Marymount College, Tarrytown, NY, an MLS in Library Science from St. John’s University, Jamaica, NY, and did postgraduate studies at the Catholic University of America, Washington, DC.
A graduate of Marymount Secondary School, Tarrytown, she entered the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary at the RSHM Novitiate in Tarrytown, on September 8, 1956. She made her first vows on June 15, 1958, in Tarrytown, where she also made her final vows on June 14, 1964.
Sr. St. Edward began her ministry in education as a teacher when she was sent to St. Thomas Aquinas School in the Bronx, NY, where she taught for one year (1959-1960). She then went to Colombia where she taught at Marymount Schools in Medellin (1960-1961) and Bogota (1961-1963) and studied Spanish during the summer in Baranquilla. She returned to the United States to teach at St. Catharine of Alexandria School in Brooklyn, NY (1963-1970).
During her time at St. Catharine’s, she also studied for a Masters in Library Science at St. John’s University in preparation for the second phase of her educational ministry. She was the high school librarian at Marymount Secondary School, Tarrytown (1970-1976) and then at Albertus Magnus High School, Bardonia, NY(1976-1980). In 1980, Sr. St. Edward joined the library staff at Marymount College, Tarrytown, where she was the periodical and reference librarian for 27 years (1980-2007).
After the college closed in 2007, she moved to Marymount Convent, Tarrytown. For several years, she was Director of Life Enrichment for the retired sisters living at the Convent.
Sr. St. Edward found many ways to volunteer, beginning at Westchester County Medical Center, White Plains, NY, working in the special needs unit and on the AIDS floor. After retiring from active ministry, she taught adult ESL classes and tutored in the after-school program at the RSHM LIFE Center in Sleepy Hollow, NY; assisted the RSHM Eastern American Area archivist; managed the community library and was a part-time receptionist at Marymount Convent.
At the time of her death, Sr. St. Edward was a member of the Marymount Convent Community.
Sister St. Edward is predeceased by her parents and her sister Maureen. She is survived by the members of her religious family and many others whose friendship and support meant a great deal to her.
Services at Marymount Convent, 32 Warren Avenue, Tarrytown, NY. Visiting Friday, July 19, 4:00 – 7:00 pm with Vigil Service 7:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial, Saturday, July 20, 11:00 am.
We invite you to join us for the Vigil Service and Mass at Marymount Convent or by livestream on our website (www.rshm-east.org), where they will be archived.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in her name may be made to Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, 50 Wilson Park Drive, Tarrytown, NY, 10591.
How lucky to be one of “her kids” as she referred to us. Sister Eddie was a true bright light in our lives. So smart, funny, strong and wise, always encouraging us right up till the end and continuing to be an inspiration. The Class of SCA ‘66 will love you forever and you’ll always be in our hearts. Thank you for being irreplaceable you. Till we all meet again ❤️🙏
She was my teacher at Saint Catherine of Alexandria. She always was a kind person to her students I am from the graduating class of 1972
I’m so very sorry to hear of this loss. I had the honor of being one of Sr. St. Edward’s many students. To this day, I credit her for my love of the English language. Sister taught us invaluable skills but, more importantly, was a kind and gentle woman who had many longtime friendships with ex-stufents. She has certainly earned her place beside our Lord.
Dear Sr Edwards I have so many fond memories of you 🌹❤️ Rest Easy Dear Sr. in The loving arms of Jesus🙏🙏🙏🌹🙏🙏🙏
Thank you Sr. Edward for being such an important person in my life. I know that many other people can say the same thing about how important you were to them. I have wonderful memories. See you in the other side.
Anita Parmer
Condolences to the RSMH community on the loss of Sister St. Edward McLaughlin, RSHM. May She Rest In Peace. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
So lucky to have known you and having you as a teacher. You are the reason I had AP Math in High School. When I think of St Catharines I always think of you. Rest in peace dear Sister.
St. Catharine of Alexandria, Class of 1967. I remember Sister St Edward fondly. I can see her young face clearly in my mind’s eye always smiling brightly. She was kind and caring… she was genuine and fun! With deepest sympathy to her community, her family snd her friends. Rest In Peace Sister!❤️
My condolences to Sister’s community, I pray she is enjoying the rewards of her eternal life for all the love, care, kindness, and devotion she had for others. I am eternally grateful for all the support she gave to my mom and me. I only regret I didn’t keep in touch in her later years. She was a blessing in my life at St. Catherine’s. Rest in peace, Eddie, Heljca Classs of ’65