Ellen 'Eileen' McLaughlin, 53

Ellen "Eileen" McLaughlin, 53, of Englewood left this world Aug. 25.

She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Thomas J. McLaughlin; three sons, Sheamus J.M. McLaughlin of Jacksonville, Brendan J. McLaughlin of Orlando and Thomas K. McLaughlin of Twenty-Nine Palms, Calif.; father, James Hennessy of County Clare, Ireland; eight brothers and sisters; best friend, Sherry Beasley; and numerous in-laws and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Veronica (McInerney) Hennessy.?

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Ellen “Eileen” McLaughlin, 53

Born in Chicago Aug. 6, 1959, she immigrated to Ireland when she was six months old. She returned to Chicago with her sister, Mary, in 1976, where she worked before marrying her husband in 1982.

She and her family came to Englewood in 1987 as owner/operators of Poinciana Resort.? A tireless worker, she also worked for Englewood Hospital.

McLaughlin helped run two landscaping companies and worked on the start up of Englewood Bank. She worked the last 20 years for the law firm of Diez & Floyd as office manager, paralegal and professional guardian. She was often referred to as "Mr. D's hard drive."

A loving wife and a fiercely proud mother, she was a loyal friend to many and would do anything within her power for the ones she loved. She will be missed by many.?

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday with a celebration of life to follow at 1 p.m. at Lemon Bay Funeral Home.?

In lieu of flowers, please register to run, walk with or donate to, "Team Eileen" in the 2012 Free to Breathe Southwest Florida run/walk. Registration/donation can be made at freetobreathe.org; please link to the Southwest Florida page.?

Lemon Bay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Express condolences at lemonbayfh.com.