Catherine J. (Greaney) McLaughlin

Catherine J. McLaughlin (nee Greaney) passed away peacefully at her home on May 13, 2023.

She was born on August 20, 1931 to Richard and Orrel Greaney.

Catherine raised four children for the most part by herself. She was an intelligent, hard working business-woman who came from a long line of strong women, starting with her mother - that did what they had to do - took care of their families and problems and did so with grace always. She was a true lady that loved everything that sparkled.

She worked for Roche Clinical Laboratories, Roche Biomedical Laboratories, now known as LabCorp for over 20 years. She started as a switchboard operator and many of her work colleagues that loved her referred to her as "The Voice of LabCorp." As the company grew, Kate McLaughlin was promoted to the Head of Communications. She was the lead coordinator for up to six telephone vendor changes for the company. As such she would receive calls in the middle of the night during these transitions when things didn't always go as planned. She found the challenges fun and exciting. Kate loved her job and easily made friendships with everyone there.

During her working career she went to New York City often with one of her dear friends, Jim Hayes. She enjoyed Broadway plays, The Algonquin, The Russian Tea Room and attending Mass at Saint Patrick's Cathedral, among other NYC treasured spots.

She loved Frank Sinatra, the Platters, Bobby Short (who specialized in Cole Porter music) and was fascinated by Lady Gaga. Although she loved the arts, her favorite past time was reading and was a true "book worm."

She loved and admired her dearest friend Betsy Gaynor-Paul. As Catherine's health was declining, Betsy continued to visit her along with her niece Gwen - always lifting her spirits.

The family would also like to give a special thanks to Dr. Amy Scute for all her care and love towards Catherine all of her life.

Catherine was proud and grateful her whole life for attending Saint Peter's Catholic High School in New Brunswick, NJ with her brother Joseph. She was a parishioner of St. Mary of Czestochowa in Bound Brook. She donated what she could to various charities and was most devote to the Carmelite Nuns of Sioux City, Iowa, who wrote to her and whose prayerful letters gave her much comfort and joy later in her life.

She is predeceased by her husband Donald Smith, daughter Donna Jean Rapke, her sisters, Gertrude Frusee, Mary O. Kane, Ann E. Greaney, brothers Robert Greaney, William Greaney, Richard Greaney and Joseph Greaney. She remained dear friends with her ex-husband, Edward McLaughlin.

She is survived by her daughters, Hari Amrit Kaur Khalsa (husband Dev Murti Kaur Khalsa), Audrey Ellen Smith and son, Thomas Wayne Smith. Her Grandchildren, Shannon Mary Martin (husband Jeffrey Martin), Sarah Anne Rapke, great-granddaughter Madison Oliva Martin, Goddaughter, Gwendolyn Kane and niece, Margaret Kane. Along with her other dear nieces, nephews and friends.

Family and friends may visit the Sheenan Funeral Home, 233 Dunellen Avenue, Dunellen, NJ on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 from 9 to 11 a.m. followed by an 11:30 a.m. Funeral Mass at St. John the Evangelist Church in Dunellen.

Cremation will be private.

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