Obituary of Josephine P. McLaughlin

Josephine Pauline (Battaglia) McLaughlin, 87, born in Woodbury, NJ on March 12, 1922. She was a resident of Pitman, NJ for 54 years. Josephine passed away after an extended illness on Sunday, April 5th and Kennedy Health System in Washington Twp. She was predeceased by her husband, John J. McLaughlin, parents Santo and Rose Battaglia, sisters Mary and Ann, brothers John and Dick. Survived by son Robert J. McLaughlin (Karen), sister Rachel Mecholsky, brother Santo Battaglia (Agnes), grandsons Shane and Garrett McLaughlin and Clayton Cozzan and beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family. She grew up in Glassboro and attended Glassboro High School. "Jo" as she was called by her friends, opened Rose Bud Florist with her sister Rachel in Paulsboro in 1946. Shortly after, Jo moved to Pitman, opening the current Rose Bud Florist. Always very generous and active in the community, she always proudly called Pitman home. Always a lover of flowers and plants, Jo demonstrated flower arranging at FTD seminars. Opening Rose Bud Florist as a woman in business in 1948, against all odds, and growing it into a thriving shop that she dedicated her life to was her proudest professional accomplishment. She provided the opportunity to many local high school students to have their first job. She often credited her success to the strong work ethic passed onto her by her parents. Jo was an active member of the Our Lady Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Church for many years. She was a past president of the women's auxiliary of the St. Anthony's Beneficial Society in Glassboro. A very social person, Jo was an avid bowler with her husband and friends in weekly leagues. She enjoyed time with family and friends at her second home in Ocean City, NJ. Many happy occasions, late night cards and dominoes and festive summer dinners out were among her fondest memories that she spoke of often. In 2002, Jo moved to New Seasons Assisted Living in Washington Twp., NJ where she made many friends and served as the Chair of the Resident Assn. She enjoyed social activities and day trips and visiting with her family and friends. Josephine will be dearly missed by her family and friends, her passion, humor and personal strength will continue to serve and an inspiration to them. Friends may call on Tuesday 7-9 pm and Wednesday 9:30-10:30 am in the KELLEY FUNERAL HOME, 125 Pitman Ave, Pitman, NJ. Funeral mass will be Wednesday at 11 am in Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, 161 Pitman Ave, Pitman, NJ. Interment Hillcrest Memorial Park Mausoleum. Memorials may be shared at www.kelleyfhpitman.com color=#000000>.