Tiburon

Katherine Clifford Higgins McLaughlin passed away peacefully April 8th, just days after her 90th birthday celebration, surrounded by the love and laughter of her family. It was a celebration filled with glowing tributes and sweet memories–just the way she wanted it. And what a wonderful life she led! Kathie was the proud matriarch of a large, adoring family. She was an elegant woman and a fun-loving, loyal friend. She traveled the world over, developed strong friendships, and stayed active and healthy almost to the end.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Bob, and truthfully, life lost its luster after he was gone. Their remarkable 67-year marriage was at the very heart of Kathie’s world. Bob just adored her and Kathie’s father told her that Bob McLaughlin was the best thing that ever happened to her. Their bond was one of those beautiful love stories that left a lasting impression on everyone who knew them.

Family was paramount to Kathie, and her greatest joy was spending time with her four children–Marita Daly (Kevin), Mark McLaughlin (Monique Petrov), Florence McLaughlin and Katherine Prodger–and her nine grandchildren, Matt and Elena Daly; Ross (Alli Beach), Whitney, Grace and Francesca McLaughlin; Jake Voien; Cassie and Marita Prodger. She cherished every detail of their lives.

Born April 6, 1935, Kathie grew up in Summit, New Jersey and Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania. She was survived by her three siblings, Drew Higgins of South Burlington, VT, Marita Gilliam of Raleigh, NC and James C. Higgins, Jr of Wayne, PA. They remember her as a loving and understanding sister who played an important role in their lives, offering them support throughout their years. Kathie particularly cherished her weekly calls with her sister Marita, even though they hadn’t lived near each other their entire adult lives.

She received her nursing degree from Georgetown University, an achievement she held close to her heart for her entire life. She admired the Jesuit values, and instilled in her children a love of learning, a strong work ethic, and an endless curiosity about the world.

Though private by nature, Kathie was fun-loving and had asharp wit and great sense of humor that revealed itself when Bob wasn’t stealing the show. Kathie was a great athlete, enjoying ice skating, skiing, tennis and golf.

Until they settled in Marin County, life took the McLaughlin family all across the country as Bob worked his way up the corporate ladder. Kathie excelled at creating a stable, loving home for her family amid this upheaval; a home full of friends, color, activities and cookies.

Her life was full of celebrations with her family and extensive circle of friends, including those from the San Francisco Yacht Club, Marin Garden Club, the Richmond Golf Club, her 40 years living in Ross and 13 years in Tiburon. Over the years, she and Bob traveled with many of them around the world, and played countless games of tennis and rounds of golf.

Everyone who met Kathie described her as elegant. Clothes were a fun and creative outlet for Kathie and her style was unmistakable–bold, bright and fully accessorized. You’d never see her in a pair of jeans–she didn’t own any. With her attention to detail, she was a talented seamstress, making much of her wardrobe in her early years (including her wedding dress!) and she lovingly crafted needlepoint Christmas stockings for each of her nine grandchildren.

She also expressed her creativity in the garden, becoming a Master Gardener and a long time member of the Marin Garden Club.

We are all missing Kathie terribly but carry with us her legacy of family and camaraderie. Hers was a life beautifully lived, and we’re so grateful to have been a part of it.