Barbara "Barbie" (Brooks) McLaughlin

Barbara “Barbie” (Brooks) McLaughlin, age 79, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, September 26, 2024. Born in Wilmington, DE on January 29, 1945, she was a daughter of the late Claude Melvin and Audrey (Battersby) Brooks, Sr. Barbie grew up in Newark and graduated from Newark High School 1963. In addition to her studies, Barbie played field hockey, basketball and gymnastics. Shortley after graduation she married Edward C. McLaughlin and was married for 30 years until his death in 1993. Barbie was an excellent student and threw herself back into college after Eddie’s passing and graduated with her master’s degree. During college, she worked at the Learning Station where she made many long-lasting friendships. Upon graduation, Barbara made her career working in social services for the State of Maryland. After she retired, she worked for Child Inc, Domestic Violence Shelter and CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). Barbara, also known as “Ethel” by friends and family, loved traveling the world with her traveling friend group. One of her greatest trips was to London in 1976 with her best friend Kathie. She loved the beach and would go as often as she could. Barbie also enjoyed roller skating as a child and continued skating in competitions as an adult with dance partner Benny. She also loved spending her free time volunteering to help others in her community. Barbie had many close friends and wonderful neighbors. But above all, Barbara cherished the memories she made with her grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Edward C. McLaughlin; and son, Brian E. McLaughlin. She is survived by her daughter, Dawn M. McLaughlin (Jim) of Wilmington and Lisa M. Byroade of Elkton, MD; daughter-in-law, Kathy McLaughlin; grandchildren, James Edward McLaughlin, Jaclyn Marie McLaughlin, and Bradley Charles Sisler; brothers, Gov Brooks (Di) and Stephen Brooks; sisters, Elizabeth Ann Dougherty and Polly J. Cherundolo; as well as many nieces and nephews. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 pm until 7 pm on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE. Services and interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara’s memory to the Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 100 W. 10th Street, Suite 903, Wilmington, DE 19801 or online by clicking here.

Barbara "Barbie" (Brooks) McLaughlin

January 29, 1945 - September 26, 2024