Obituary: Elizabeth K. McLaughlin, 87

Elizabeth K. McLaughlin, 87, of Lawrence Township died Monday, Jan. 9, with her loving family at her side.

Born in Trenton, she grew up in Pennington and later attended Douglas College at Rutgers University where she studied electrical engineering for two years. She had resided in Lawrence for the past 11 years.

Elizabeth was a former member of the First Presbyterian Church of Ewing. She was an avid gardener and reader throughout her life. She was a devoted wife and mother. To all who knew her she was known for her compassion and understanding.

She retired as the clerk of New Jersey Superior Court Appellate Division in 1987 after 44 years of service with the State Judiciary. She was appointed by the State Supreme Court in 1973 and was the first person to hold that position.

Upon her retirement she was praised by then Presiding Judge Michaels as having “…served with distinction and honor…” while playing “ a significant role in helping this court achieve its national reputation.” During her career with the judiciary she formed many lifelong friendships with her staff, colleagues and judges, which extended into her retirement.

Daughter of the late Ebert and Mabel Austin Keeler, and beloved wife of 57 years of the late Lawrence T. McLaughlin, she is survived by her loving son Roderic B. McLaughlin and his wife Lauren, and her sister Norma Danser, brother in-law Howard Danser, nieces, nephews and sister in-law June Keeler.

A memorial service will be held in the spring with interment at the Ewing Church Cemetery in Ewing Township.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made in Elizabeth McLaughlin’s name to St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center or the American Lung Association.