Our beloved Sally McLaughlin was born on May 13, 1939 to Bill and Ruth (Hending) Heckman of Allegan. She passed away peacefully at home with her husband and children holding her hands on Friday, March 20, 2020. Sally lived a wonderful 80 years of life, spending 62 years married to the love of her life, Theodore “Ted” McLaughlin whom she wed on September 28, 1957.
She leaves behind Ted, as well as their children, Rosemary (Troy) McKenney of Allegan and Brian (Nikki) McLaughlin of Hopkins. Aside from her husband and children, she also leaves behind her adored grandchildren, Brandon (Mandi) McKenney, Brittney (Travis) Bambacht, Brianna (Steven) Johnson all of Allegan, Alyssa and Lindsey McLaughlin, both of Hopkins. Sally was affectionately known as Grandma Sally to her precious great-grandchildren, Jaxon Michael, Kohen Vaughn, Ryver Rose, Jovie June and Eastyn Troy all of Allegan. She also leaves behind her best friend and sister, Sandy Farrer; her brother Dan (Mary Jo) Heckman, sisters-in-law, Cheryl Heckman and Sharon Heckman; nieces and nephews, Tammy, Craig, Andy, Matt, Sara, Connie, Boyd, Cammie, Rob, Monica and Courtney and many beloved cousins, family and special friends. Sally was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Bill Jr., Fred and Bob Heckman.
Sally was a woman made for adventure and spent many years camping and traveling with her family and friends, capturing each moment she could on camera. She crafted her way through life with love and passion, illuminating warmth and comfort into each stitch for her family and friends. She spent many years as a 4-H leader and loved investing her time in the children she taught. Sally was one heck of a woman. Spending time with her loved ones always put a smile so big on her face that you could feel it in your heart. She is already missed dearly, but we know that she is dancing in heaven, playing cards and patiently waiting to meet her family from earth once again. We will honor her by hanging holiday decorations, eating all of the chocolate, sweet potato fries, cookies and ice cream and also by planting beautiful flowers and snuggling up with her handmade blankets. Until we meet again, we’re holding her in our hearts.
According to her wishes cremation has taken place. A celebration of Sally’s life will take place at a later time.
Contributions in Sally’s honor may be donated to Hospice of Holland or Allegan County 4-H.
Messages of condolence may be left at WinkelFuneralHome.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Sally A. McLaughlin
Condolence Messages
Lillian Hitchcock
March 24, 2020 at 4:54 pm
She was a sweet lady. Always took time to say hello, and to ask how you doing, and just to catch up with friends on what they have been doing in their lives. I will miss her. I first met her as a coworker at Allegan General Hospital. Where we both worked togather there in housekeeping. We shared laughter as well as giving each other words of advice. Rest in peace Sally.
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Rosemary
March 25, 2020 at 9:48 am
Thank you so very much. My mom loved working at the hospital with you and all of her fellow coworkers.
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Delores Kelly
March 24, 2020 at 5:06 pm
So sorry to hear if Sally’s passing! Prayers to all the family! Sincerely, Delores (Miner) Kelly
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Rosemary
March 25, 2020 at 9:49 am
Thank you so very much!!
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George and Joyce Galloway
March 24, 2020 at 5:08 pm
Sally was a dear person and a redhat suster. Our condolences to Ted and her family.
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Rosemary
March 25, 2020 at 9:50 am
Thank you very much. My mom certainly loved her Red Hat family and both of you.
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Teresa Galloway
March 24, 2020 at 5:36 pm
Our sincere sympathy for the family. She was a sweet lady. She will definitely be missed by many. Hold your memories in your hearts.
Love
Bob and Teresa Galloway
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Rosemary
March 25, 2020 at 9:52 am
We appreciate your condolences and kind words about my mom. God Bless you Bob and Teresa.
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Jan Myers-Carpenter
March 24, 2020 at 6:37 pm
Ted and family. I am so sorry to hear of Sally’s passing. I will always remember that happy smile. She
always treated me like family when I was around and I will never forget her. In so many way’s she
was like family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in this sad time.
Jan Myers-Carpenter
(Cheryl’s sister)
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Rosemary
March 25, 2020 at 9:53 am
Thank you so very much Jan. My mom never met a stranger and especially embraced extended family as her own.
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Pat Miner
March 24, 2020 at 6:51 pm
Sally was always a good friend. I remember all the times we would get together and play cards. We seemed to talk more than play cards. She helped at Sacred Heart Altar Society and always kept busy. I will miss you Sally.
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Rosemary
March 25, 2020 at 9:55 am
I have heard many stories of Russ, you and my parents playing cards and the many laughs and good times you’ve shared. Thank you so much Pat, she was very fond of both of you.
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Dan Heckman
March 24, 2020 at 7:11 pm
Sally was a special lady who could always put a smile on your face. Sally was loved by many and she shared her love with her family in many ways. I will miss my weekly phone calls to her to try to catch her at home and not out on the town with sister Sandy and all their friends. Rest well lady, you left your mark on whoever you touched. Say hi to mom and dad, Bill, Fred and Bob. Will see you down the road❤️
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Rosemary
March 25, 2020 at 9:59 am
Thank you Uncle Dan for being such an amazing little brother. She looked forward to hearing from you every time and all of the stories you would share. She loved the pictures you sent more than you know. She was very proud of you!!
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Beth (Maher) Johnston
March 24, 2020 at 7:58 pm
Ted, Rosemary, and Brian,
When mom said I’m running down to Sally’s,” us kids all jumped in the car. We had fun with all of you but your mom was like the warmth of the sun. You always felt welcomed, more so, loved in your house because her. We will be ready to celebrate her life with you in the future.
Beth
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Rosemary
March 25, 2020 at 10:05 am
Oh Beth, the memories we’ve shared over the years, not to mention the laughs that were never ending. You all have been like family and my mom loved you all more than you know. My parents friendship with your mom and dad has endured a lifetime and she always looked forward to their visits and phone calls. Thank you for your sweet sentiments about my mom.
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Sue Maher Wakefield
March 24, 2020 at 9:02 pm
Sally was one of my mom’s dearest friends. She was our neighbor for decades and took care of me and my younger siblings when we were young and mom worked. And then I became a sitter for her children. Sally was so warm and kind and giving. We’re so lucky to have had her in our lives. Thinking of all of you and wishing you peace
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Rosemary
March 25, 2020 at 10:07 am
Thank you very much Sue for your compassionate words about mom. She always treasured your families friendship and we will hold dear the many times and laughs spent together.
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Roni Anderson
March 24, 2020 at 10:47 pm
Sally was a great second mom growing up with her as a child. I will treasure the memories of the play house in the chicken coup and all of the great parties we had with Sally I will treasure every memory of her.
Much love Roni LaDuke Anderson
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Rosemary
March 25, 2020 at 10:14 am
Awwwww, thank you so very much, Roni!! My mom always loved you (and all of my sweet friends)and enjoyed having you all around!! She was always up for sleepovers with friends and loved it (I think as much as we did). I so appreciate your thoughtful words.
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Karen McKinnon
March 24, 2020 at 10:57 pm
May she rest in peace everlasting! Such a warm and friendly lady!
Our deepest condolences to Ted, Rosemary, Brian and the entire family!
Brian and Karen McKinnon
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Rosemary
March 25, 2020 at 10:16 am
Thank you very much, Karen!! We appreciate your sweet words about mom.
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Sheri James
March 25, 2020 at 2:15 am
We are so sad to hear of Sally’s passing. She was such a kind, caring and lovely lady. We are all praying for your family. She will truly be missed. Please call us should you need anything.
Phyllis Rice and family
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Rosemary
March 25, 2020 at 10:18 am
Thank you very much, Shari!! Memories of all of the times spent together will last a life time and my mom always enjoyed them so very much!!
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Bob and Loree Bagley
March 25, 2020 at 6:32 am
God’s peace to the family
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Rosemary
March 25, 2020 at 9:47 am
Thank you!!
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Sherry Simpson
March 25, 2020 at 9:10 am
My deepest Sympathy to Sally’s family. Sally was a sweet & special lady! She had a great smile! She will be missed by all that knew her. Love her friend, Sherry L Simpson.
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Rosemary
March 25, 2020 at 9:46 am
Thank you so very much for your sweet words about my mom.
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Tom and Terri McLaughlin
March 25, 2020 at 12:39 pm
So sorry for your loss. Keeping all of you in our prayers during this difficult time.
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Rosemary
March 29, 2020 at 4:44 pm
Thank you Tom & Terri! God bless!
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Monica heckman
March 25, 2020 at 2:23 pm
Its hard to even say aunt Sallys name without aunt Sandy following right with it .I remember lots of garage sales and who could forget the many summers spent camping at Schnable lake. You will be missed but instead of tears smiles will follow from our hearts
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Rosemary
March 29, 2020 at 4:43 pm
Monica, the many memories that we’ve shared will last a lifetime. We will hold those in our hearts forever.
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Kathi Fuss
March 25, 2020 at 3:51 pm
So sorry to read of Sally’s passing ! Larry and I had lots of fun times with Sally and Ted! May God bless all the family! You have SO many wonderful memories! Love and prayers!
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Rosemary
March 29, 2020 at 4:41 pm
We sincerely appreciate your condolences and our happy that you shared many great memories with our mom and dad. God Bless.
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Nola Tooker
March 25, 2020 at 5:40 pm
What a great lady. Never saw Sally without a smile…She will be missed by many…
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Rosemary
March 29, 2020 at 4:40 pm
Thank you so much, Nola!! God Bless!!
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Scott and Valerie Holmes
March 27, 2020 at 6:38 pm
I am so sorry to hear about Sally passing. She was like family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ted we are so sorry.
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Rosemary
March 29, 2020 at 4:38 pm
Thank you so very much Scott & Val. The memories that our families have shared throughout the years will last a life time!! We’ve been blessed to call you family!!
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Troy and Mary Ann Baker
March 29, 2020 at 8:41 pm
We are so sorry to read about Sally. She and Ted were our first neighbors when we bought our first house. She was a wonderful person and would be happy to help out with anything one might need. We send our sincere condolences and prayers for your family.
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Rosemary
April 3, 2020 at 10:43 am
Thank you so very much Troy & Mary Ann! Mom certainly loved her neighbors as her own family and was blessed to call you friends!!
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Cheryl
April 1, 2020 at 6:10 pm
My Dear friend Sally — our friendship was short but one I will remember forever❤️
I loved our visits when you had your dental appointments❤️❤️
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Rosemary
April 3, 2020 at 10:45 am
Awwww, thank you so very much!! Mom sure did find a fast friend in you! I will always be thankful for the sweet way you greeted her whenever you seen her!, God bless!!
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Patti
April 6, 2020 at 9:46 pm
Condolences from Patti Heckman – Graves and the family of George Heckman in San Antonio Texas. My dad George and Bill Heckman were two of seven brothers. During our visits to Michigan while growing up I thoroughly enjoyed our visits with uncle Bill and aunt Ruth. I remember their laughter and smiles! I can see from Sally’s photo in the newspaper that she also had the same exuberance for life as her parents. (Daddy had a subscription to the Allegan newspaper… He passed December 28, 2019; the last of those seven brothers. He always remembered his roots, he always recalled affectionately his parents and older brothers. Good Michigan Dutch stock. )
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