Vera Diduk McLaughlin of Agawam, 91 years old, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, September 18, 2016. Vera was a lifelong resident of Agawam. Born in Agawam to Dimitry and Fevronia (Woytovich) Diduk, Vera grew up in Agawam on South Street and was a 1943 graduate of Agawam High School. Vera also attended 2 years of business school in Springfield. Vera married John J. McLaughlin Jr. in October 1948. She was a 50 year member of the Agawam Baptist Church where she sang for many years in the church choir. She worked for Abbott Hall in Springfield, she and her sister Anne both worked for the Springfield Armory. She retired from the banking industry after 20 years with Security National Bank and Multi Bank both in Springfield and Northampton. Vera was an avid painter, loved to sew and was a great cook. Vera's passion was her family. Everything in her life revolved around her family and the ability to make other people's lives better.
Vera was predeceased by her loving husband of 65 years John J. McLaughlin Jr. in 2013, sister Anne Pennock of Agawam 2015, sister Mae Vient of Springfield 2010, brother Paul Diduk of Agawam 2008 and bother John Diduk of East Longmeadow. Vera leaves her loving sons, Mark McLaughlin and fiancé Joyce Karpinski of Russell and Peter McLaughlin and wife Cheryl of Westfield. She also leaves 5 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 2-5 p.m. at the Agawam Curran-Jones Funeral Home on Cooper St. with a service on Monday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, with burial service immediately following in the Agawam Center Cemetery. Flowers are welcomed or memorial donations can be made to the Agawam Baptist Church, 760 Main Street, Agawam, 01001 or to Boy Scout Troop 82 of Agawam, Congregational Church, 745 Main Street, Agawam. For more details please go to curranjones.com.