McLaughlin, Barbara's Obituary
Barbara Ann Mclaughlin passed away in Tulsa Friday morning, She was 69 years old.
Barbara was born in 1955 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Charles and Rose Simmons. She was the mother to three children, Angela Mclaughlin and Timothy Mclaughlin, and a daughter who passed in infancy. She was an over the road pilot car driver for most of her career. She loved travelling and stopping at roadside attractions on her way home. Her children loved travelling with her during summer vacations. She loved collecting coffee mugs, screwback earrings and hunting estate sales and thrift stores for “treasures.” Barbara was the keeper of family dates and records, always ready to keep the family informed about birthdays and anniversaries. She was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan, and loved to watch them play on Sundays.
Barbara was a single mom for most of her children’s lives, and they will always be thankful for her hard work, sacrifice and advocacy on their behalf. While her children were in school, she served on booster clubs, PTAs and fundraising efforts. She often went without to ensure that her children were provided for, and they credit their mother with their love of the open road, gas station coffee, and cheesy prime time television. Barbara loved classic country and shared her love of music with her daughter through many road trips and concerts.
Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Rose Simmons, her sister Patricia Allen, brother Steve Simmons and daughter Dawn. She is survived by her children, Timothy and Angela Mclaughlin, brother Chuck Simmons, brother Brian Simmons, Sister in Law Nell Simmons and her beloved nieces and nephews.
The family will be holding a private ceremony.
“Someone I loved once gave me
a box full of darkness.
It took me years to understand
that this, too, was a gift”
Mary Oliver
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