Kelly L. McLaughlin
December 7, 1984 - June 6, 2016
Kelly L. McLaughlin, age 31, of Queen Creek, AZ and formerly of Newark, DE, passed away suddenly from injuries sustained in an automobile accident on Monday, June 6, 2016.
Born in Wilmington, DE on December 7, 1984, Kelly was the daughter of Kevin J. McLaughlin and Lane R. (Van Caneghem) McLaughlin. She was a 2003 graduate of Newark High School, received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Delaware and her master’s degree in social work from West Chester University.
Kelly’s work as a licensed clinical social worker led her to accept a position with Upper Bay Counseling Services working as a school-based therapist at North East High School where she was instrumental in helping many students. She also saw patients at Christiana Counseling. Most recently, she was the owner of Creative Counseling Solutions.
Kelly was the founder of Worldwide Ripple, an organized network of like-minded people who believe in spreading acts of kindness. She was a talented artist who enjoyed drawing and painting and created beautiful hand-made jewelry. Kelly loved visiting the beach, adored her pets and was happiest in the company of her family and friends.
She is survived by her parents, Kevin J. McLaughlin (Amy Kovach) of Elkton, MD and Lane R. McLaughlin of Newark, DE; brother, Sean K. McLaughlin (Susie Chalker) of Seattle, WA; and maternal step grandmother, Gerri Van Caneghem of Elkton, MD.
A celebration of life will be held at 12:30 pm on Saturday afternoon, June 18, 2016, at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a visitation will be held from 11 am until 12:30 pm. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, please consider furthering Kelly’s vision of helping others with a contribution in her memory to Eagle Pathway, which works with foster youth. Kelly was a dedicated volunteer with this organization. Visit www.eaglepathway.com or make checks out to TAPAZ and write for Eagle Pathway in the Memo line, c/o TAPAZ, 2929 N. Central Ave., Suite 1550, Phoenix AZ 85012.
Ms Selby
I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the entire family. During this difficult time for comfort please read these few Bible verses. Romans 9:2 Psalms 83:18 also Isaiah 25:8 .For just that comfort regarding the resurrection hope…
Angelese Calderon
Our condolences to the family and all of those who new and loved her.
She was a faithful volunteer for Eagle Pathway, a friend and amazing person. I love how free spirited she was and her willingness to help make a difference in the lives of others. She was always willing to jump in and help us with our events and always had a smile that radiated the room.
We will miss her presence and we will cherish the memories she made with us.
May the God of all peace bring comfort to the family at this time.
Laurel & Perry Bower
We are so very sorry for your loss, for the tragic way Kelly’s life was cut short. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers, now and in the weeks and months to come. We hope that as time goes on that happy memories will help to sustain you and bring you comfort.
Melissa Loukota
I’m sorry for your loss. Praying for God’s comforting hand over the family during this difficult time.
Gail Baldwin
Lane & Family – There are no words that I can say to relieve the grief you are feeling, knowing your family is in pain. May the good that Kelly spread be uplifting in time and may time heal your hearts. Prayers for Kelly’s peace and prayers to you and your family at this difficult time.
God bless.
Gail [Ranieri] Baldwin
The Gupta's
We can’t imagine what you must be feeling right now. We want you to know that we are thinking of you and your family. Please accept out most heartfelt condolences.
Ronnie McGonagle
Thinking of you all at this very sad time. God bless you. X
Karen Kelley Meador
So sorry for you loss, Amy. Prayers being sent your way. God bless you and your family.
Celeste Mozeik
So very sorry to hear about the tragic loss of your daughter. So sad – sending blue skies and prayers your way.
~Celeste Mozeik
Deb Dalrymple
I worked with Kelly while she was at Upperbay on the school based team. She was well liked at Northeast High school by both the students and the faculty. She was also a very valued member of the school based team and had very insightful input into out weekly discussions. .She always went above and beyond and had so much compassion for the children and families with whom she worked! I am so saddened by the sudden loss of this lovely young woman as well as amazed at all that she had done for others during her short stay here with us. I feel so fortunate to have known her as a colleague. I am so sorry for your loss and hope you can find some solace in your memories of her. I am certain she was needed elsewhere but she will be truly missed!
Patricia Maslar
What a shock! What a bright light! I loved having Kelly at my office on Main Street. She had an inner beauty that lit up a room. Please accept my sincere condolences. I am heartbroken that a world that needs so much love has lost a woman with such an open heart. I will honor her memory by continuing her “ripple effect”
Kim Shank
I am so shocked and saddened by Kelly’s passing. I never read the obituaries and was reading them tonight and just cannot believe it. Kelly helped my daughter so very much. My daughter saw her for over a year and she worked with us through some very difficult times in my teen’s life. I don’t think I can even tell my daughter this sad news. Kelly was so good at what she did. I cannot say enough about her. She even offered to FaceTime appointments with my daughter after she moved to AZ.
I am so sorry for your loss. This is just so so sad. You know that if she helped my daughter, there are hundreds of others out there that she helped as well.
My prayers are with you. God Bless. Thank you so much for letting us know her.
Kevin McLaughlin
Dear Ms. Shank,
This is Kevin, Kelly’s dad. It’s very gratifying to read your post and remembrance of Kelly. The thing she want most was to make a difference in the lives of young people, and it sound alike she did good work with your daughter. Thanks you for sharing.
— Kevn
Jennifer Beegle
I am so very sorry for your loss. I am thinking of your family during this very difficult time. Love, Jenn
Brian Matwiejewicz
I worked with Kelly during her time at Upper Bay Counseling. I was very sad to hear about her sudden passing. I truly believe in the power of kindness, and regret that someone so dedicated to the mission of healing the relationships between people is now gone. I will keep Kelly in my memory as I work to better myself as a person, and as I continue to work with clients. May you find peace in knowing that she touched the lives of so many.
Terry Lambert
To Kelly’s Family,
I am so sadden to hear of Kelly’s passing. The shock and sadness I feel I’m sure can not come close to what you are feeling. Please know that she was an angel on earth who connected with my granddaughter at a time when she was sooo lost. We never have been able to find anyone since Kelly left for AZ. I can not tell my grand daughter this sad news since she is currently in the hospital after attempting suicide. Kelly stayed in touch with our family during her time in AZ., and I was just going to call her for some of her great advise and comforting words . God must have needed her talent in heaven more then we needed her on earth. You should be very proud of the daughter you raised. She was an amazing gift from God.
Marianne Lazarski
My 8thth grade daughter was a client of Kelly’s in the Spring/Summer of 2015. My daughter was having severe anxiety over school and friendships and Kelly really made a difference in our lives. Her calm, relaxing, positive and peaceful approach was needed. We continued to see Kelly until she decided to move to AZ. She even checked in with me in November to see how my daughter was doing. Kelly truly made an impact in our lives. I am very sad to hear of her passing and just want for her family to know how much she helped ours in a time that we really needed support. Prayers for your family.
Joe & Sonnie Scavuzzo
Dear Kevin & Amy.
Joe & I were informed two days ago about your daughter’s passing. We are thinking of you & keeping your whole family in our prayers. Would love to keep in touch. Fondly, the Scavuzzo’s
Joe & Sonnie Scavuzzo
Dear Kevin & Amy
Joe & I were informed about your daughter’s passing a couple days ago. We are thinking of you and keeping your whole family in our prayers. Would love to keep in touch.
Kristie Depew
To the Family,
Words cannot express how deeply saddened I am to hear of Kelly’s loss. I just found out this morning, and I hope you get this. Kelly helped my 9 year old son, Tyler so much. He was dealing with anxiety and ADHD and having hard time all around, but when he was with Kelly, he relaxed and made a true friend. She lit up a room and was always positive no matter what. She also offered to facetime with Tyler after she moved to Arizona. She would text me periodically to get updates on him, and I am so glad I saved the texts. Her artwork was beautiful. Tyler loved to draw with her during sessions. It was truly an outlet for him. She will always have a special place in our family’s heart. May God bless you and comfort you during this time and in the days to come.
Lane McLaughlin
Thank you so much Angelese. It was so nice meeting you and your family and friend, Stephanie at Kelly’s Celebration of Life in Arizona. I wish you and Eagle Pathway much success. Thank you also for the shirts and making a special trip to deliver them.
Lane
Lane McLaughlin
Thanks so much Gail. I appreciate your writing and hope all is well with you and your family as well.
Lane
Lane McLaughlin
Thank you so much, Celeste.
Lane
Lane McLaughlin
Thank you so much for writing. I am so proud of all Kelly accomplished and all the people she touched. She had such a big heart. Thank you for being a part of her life.
–Lane, her mom
Lane McLaughlin
Thank you so much for writing. I am so proud of all Kelly accomplished and all the people she touched. She had such a big heart. Thank you for being a part of her life and continuing her ripple.
–Lane, her mom
Lane McLaughlin
Thank you so much for writing. I am so proud of all Kelly accomplished and all the people she touched. She had such a big heart. Thank you for being a part of her life.I am so glad she was able to help your daughter.
–Lane, her mom
Lane McLaughlin
Thank you so much for writing. I am so proud of all Kelly accomplished and all the people she touched. She had such a big heart. Thank you for being a part of our lives and coming to her ceremony.
–Lane
Lane McLaughlin
Thank you so much for writing. I am so proud of all Kelly accomplished and all the people she touched. She had such a big heart. Thank you for being a part of her life and continuing her ripple.
–Lane, her mom
Lane McLaughlin
Thank you so much for writing. I am so proud of all Kelly accomplished and all the people she touched. She had such a big heart. Thank you for being a part of her life and I am so glad she was able to help your granddaughter. I hope you are able to find someone else to help her. All the best to you and her.
–Lane, her mom
Lane McLaughlin
Thank you so much for writing. I am so proud of all Kelly accomplished and all the people she touched. She had such a big heart. Thank you for being a part of her life and I am so glad she was able to help your daughter. All the best to you and her.
–Lane, her mom
Lane McLaughlin
Thank you so much for writing. I am so proud of all Kelly accomplished and all the people she touched. She had such a big heart. Thank you for being a part of her life and I am so glad she was able to help your son. I hope he is still drawing. She had made a painting with “Heal your heart with Art” written on it. All the best to you, Tyler and the rest of your family.
–Lane, her mom