On Saturday morning, Jane passed away in her sleep with her husband of 52 years at her side. She spent her final moments in comfort at the Inpatient Unit of the Hospice of the Sacred Heart in Dunmore. Jane, a lifelong resident of Scranton, was 74 when she lost her hard-fought battle with Amyloidosis.
She was the fourth of nine children raised in the Hill section of Scranton. She is the daughter of the late Dr. John and Mary (Baker) O’Brien. As documented by the prevalence of her skinned knees as a child in formal family portraits, Jane had a fun and active childhood.
Jane graduated from Cathedral High School and while there met an extremely lucky Richard (Dick) McLaughlin during a summer shared at Moosic Lakes. Following her graduation from the Mercy School of Nursing, Dick and Jane were married. Jane was a wonderfully devoted mother to two children, a doting grandmother to three and a savior to five adopted dogs.
Jane was a Registered Nurse but spent the majority of her career as the Diabetes Educator at Moses Taylor Hospital. Known throughout the hospital as “Janey”, she helped improve the lives of countless patients by teaching them how to manage their Diabetes.
Family and friends will miss evenings spent with Jane on the front porch of her home. As she was always intent on making others comfortable, Jane was self-effacing in conversation, but also known for a subtle wit deployed when family members would engage in too much exaggeration. Though steering herself from the center of attention at any party, one could not help but know Jane was present even before she was seen – as her laugh was both well known and loved by all.
Even in her final months when she was suffering from complications of her disease, she kept true to her form and was always more concerned about those charged with caring for her, than she was for herself.
In addition to her husband, Jane is survived by her daughter Katherine McLaughlin of New York City and granddaughter Lillian; son Tim McLaughlin and his wife Molly of Wilton, CT and grandchildren Emma and Rose; sisters Kay Draper of Margate, NJ, Chris Condon of Columbia, MD, and Sue Brink of Moscow; brothers John O’Brien of Decatur, GA, Dr. Thomas O’Brien of Jefferson Township, and Patrick O’Brien of South Abington Township; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her sister Meg Rodgers and brother Joseph O’Brien.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 11:00am in the Immaculate Conception Church, 801 Taylor Ave. Scranton by Rev. Patrick McLaughlin, Pastor. Friends may call Saturday morning from 10:00am until the time of the Mass at the church. For directions, to share a memory, or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.vanstonandjames.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions in Jane’s memory be made to the Hospice of the Sacred Heart (hospicesacredheart.org / 53 Glenmaura National Blvd, Suite 120, Moosic, PA 18507) or to the Amyloidosis Research Consortium (www.arci.org). Her family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the broad array of individuals who treated Jane with kind and extraordinary care over the years.
Though great improvements to treatment have been made in very recent years, Amyloidosis remains a little-known disease that is often misdiagnosed. To learn more, please see the Amyloidosis Research Consortium (arci.org) or the Amyloidosis Foundation (www.amyloidosis.org).
Paula Talerico Bomboy
I was a classmate of Jane at Cathedral. I will always remember her as quiet, caring person. She certainly had an infectious laugh. I am sure she will be missed by all the people whose lives she touched.
Jack and Mary Kretsch
Sorry for your loss to the McLaughlin and O’Brien Families.
Joan Kelly Bernard
My heart is broken for the O’Brien and McLaughlin families. I have so many happy memories of growing up together. What can we say but that Jane was beautiful in every way.
Kathy Reedy
My deepest sympathies. Jane was always a ray of sunshine. I have wonderful memories of working with her years ago.
Jim Ruane
Some people, they say, can light up a room. Jane lit up the whole planet.
Mac and Rita MacNeal Moosic Lakes.
We are so sorry to hear of your wife passing. You must be beyond heartbroken. We remember Jane had such a beautiful friendly smile. Please accept our condolences and deepest sympathies.
Joanne DeLeo Kavulich
My deepest condolences to the family of Jane. I remember her as a caring, loving , beautiful person in high school. She never had a bad word to say about anybody. May she rest in peace and be rewarded many times over for her kindness to others.
Karen McLaughlin
To the McLaughlin and OBrien families, I am so sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of working with Jane at Moses Taylor Hospital. We worked together at the Diabetic Treatment Center and nursing floors. I treasure those memorys. You are all in my thoughts and prayers .
Joe and Marcia Loughman
Our deepest sympathy to the O’Brien and McLaughlin families. A bright star and smile has left for home. Certainly brightening heaven forever. We know there will be an emptiness here for a while. We send our prayers for all to ease the grief and remember all the love and laughter she left behind.
Stacey Loughman-Pesaturo
Dear O’Brien and McLaughlin family’s,
I am very sorry to hear about your loss. I remember your mom fondly, and I know she touched many lives in such a positive way. I will continue to keep your family in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this very difficult time.
Kristin and Helen Weiss
Our deepest sympathy to your family in the loss of Jane. She was a lovely person who touched many lives. You will be in our prayers.