Mrs. Catherine T. (Thomas) McLaughlin, a lifelong Herkimer resident, passed away on Tuesday morning, January 23, 2007 in Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown, following a short illness. She was 79. At the time of her passing she had the love and support of her family at her bedside. She was born in Herkimer on January 13, 1928, the daughter of the late Leslie and Catherine (Brady) Thomas and was educated in Herkimer schools. She was a graduate of St. Elizabeth's school of Nursing in Utica. Her marriage to James M. McLaughlin took place on June 11, 1955 in Herkimer at St. Francis de Sales Church with the Rev. John R. Kehoe officiating, a blessed union of 51 years. Catherine was employed for over twenty years at Herkimer Hospital and then as a public health nurse with Herkimer County, retiring in 1983, after many years of dedicated service. She was a communicant of St. Francis deSales Church, Herkimer. In her spare time, Catherine enjoyed spending time at her camp on Canadarago Lake and being a member of the "knitting club". She always put the needs of her loved ones before her own and will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Survivors include her husband: James McLaughlin of Herkimer; two children: J. Michael McLaughlin of Herkimer and Rita McLaughlin of Albany; her sisters: Mary Mathers of Saratoga, Rita and Orm Ewers of Clinton, Jane and Jim Collins of Frankfort, and Anne Blasting of Herkimer; a sister in law: Frances Thomas of Frankfort; in laws: Thomas and Margaret McLaughlin of Ilion and Donald Kane of Herkimer; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by two brothers: J. Brady Thomas and Francis X. Thomas. Relatives and friends are invited to visitation at the Holleran & Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington St., Herkimer, from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2007. Her funeral will commence at 10:15 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 26th, from the chapel of the funeral home where prayer will be offered and at 11 a.m. from St. Francis deSales Church, N. Bellinger St., Herkimer, where the Rev. Mark Cunningham, pastor, will celebrate her Mass of Christian Burial. She will be laid to rest later this spring in Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer. Please omit floral offerings. As an expression of sympathy, kindly consider memorial offerings to a charity of your choice. A large selection of envelopes is available at the funeral parlor. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the entire staff of Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown for their tender love and care. Also, a very special thank you to MOVAC and the Herkimer Fire Department for their professionalism. A heartfelt thanks to all the relatives and friends for their outpouring of kindness during this difficult time.