Sarah McLaughlin

Sarah McLaughlin, 29, of New Kent, VA, passed away January 8, 2016.

She was a 2004 graduate of New Kent High School and the self-employed owner of SMC Photography. Sarah served at the New Kent County Sheriff’s Office as a Communications Officer from 2006 until her passing. It was a job, a community, and something that was dear to her heart.

Sarah deeply loved her family and friends, all of New Kent County’s first responders, and animals of every kind. She possessed a strong inner faith and had been baptized at Providence United Methodist Church. She volunteered with the New Kent Humane Society, taking photos of animals for adoption. Sarah was a friend to everyone and wanted to fix their problems, even to the point of neglecting herself.

Sarah was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, John Joseph McLaughlin Sr.; maternal grandparents, Robert C. Gansauer and Alice M. Gansauer.

Sarah is survived by her parents, John Joseph McLaughlin Jr. and Robin Ann Gansauer McLaughlin, who loved her dearly; a brother, John Joseph (Joey) McLaughlin III and his wife, Shannon; a brother, Timothy Wayne McLaughlin; four nephews, Aiden, Elliot, Landon, and Tyler; and her grandmother, Juaneta McLaughlin.

She is also survived by several aunts, uncles, and cousins; Joanne and Dean Simmons (Daniel and Phillip), James and Renee McLaughlin (Christina, Heather, Chantal, and Samantha), Bobby and Diane Gansauer (Grete), John and Elaie Gansauer (Bryce and Derek); and a host of great uncles, aunts, cousins, and her first responder family.

A memorial service was held on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2 p.m. in the New Kent Middle School Auditorium, 7501 Egypt Road, New Kent, VA 23124.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the New Kent Humane Society or a local ASPCA in her memory. Tributes may be posted at www.vincentfh.com.