Vera Y. McLaughlin

Just shy of her 97th birthday, Vera Y. McLaughlin died at her home on the Fourth of July. Vera was a long time resident of Alsey and later Winchester, Illinois. For the last five years, she lived in Chicago close to her daughter and her family. Vera was born on July 21, 1926 on her parents’ farm in rural Scott County, Illinois. Vera was the youngest daughter of Bert and Elda Renner Young and little sister to Glen R. Young and Jean (Young) Ray. In June 1963 Vera and William H. McLaughlin were married in Winchester. He preceded her in death in 1982. Surviving are her daughter Carol Jean McLaughlin, married to David Schlensker, and three grandchildren Elsa (Cleveland), Addie (Minneapolis), and Claire (Chicago). Vera grew up in Alsey, Illinois during the Great Depression. Doing well in school, she attended Alsey High School for the first three years and graduated from White Hall High School. She then attended Quincy Business School where she studied dictation, shorthand, and bookkeeping. She accepted a job with the Alsey Brick Plant as the secretary and bookkeeper. Vera worked at the brick factory for the next twenty years, stepping down once her daughter was born. A devoted wife and mother, Vera became caregiver for Bill when he suffered a debilitating stroke in 1973 and became the manager of the family farm. Vera and Bill were members of the United Methodist Church in Winchester and charter members of the Scott County Historical Society. In the 80’s, 90’s and early 2000’s, Vera served on the Winchester City Council and the Winchester United Methodist Church Building Committee. A long time member of the UMC, she often worked the checkout counter at the church luncheons. Vera enjoyed working in her garden and spending time with her friends and family. Family visits often took Vera to St. Louis, Chicago, Schenectady, New York, Hawaii, and Australia twice. In the early 2000’s Vera enjoyed hosting her grandkids for holidays, 4-H fairs and of course Burgoo picnics. She was known for her fried chicken, mashed potatoes, cucumber and onions, homemade mac and cheese, and chocolate chip cookies. Needing more help late in life, Vera moved to Chicago in 2018 to be closer to Carol and her family. Vera enjoyed seeing her family almost every day. The family appreciates the good care she received at Covenant Home of Chicago and more recently at Belmont Village of Lincoln Park. A funeral will be held Tuesday, July 11 at 10am at the United Methodist Church in Winchester. The family will meet friends before the service beginning at 9am. Following the burial in Winchester City Cemetery, the family invites friends to gather back at the church for a luncheon. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested for the Winchester EMT or the Winchester Public Library.

Vera Y. McLaughlin

July 21, 1926 - July 4, 2023