Geraldine "Gerry" McLaughlin

Geraldine “Gerry” McLaughlin, 83, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her daughters on June 15, 2026. Gerry was born on August 11, 1942, in New Iberia, Louisiana, to James Carey Brown and Evelyn Brown. At the age of four, she moved with her family to the Rio Grande Valley, where she was raised. She graduated from PSJA High School in 1960 and later earned a master's degree in education from Texas A&M University. Although her education and career briefly took her elsewhere, she returned to the Rio Grande Valley—the place she always considered home—where she spent the rest of her life. A devoted educator, Gerry dedicated 45 years to teaching, spending most of her career as a beloved third-grade teacher at Milam Elementary. Through her kindness, dedication, and patience, she touched the lives of generations of students. Even years after retirement, former students would often recognize her in stores and restaurants, stopping to share memories and thank her for the impact she had on their lives. Her faith was an important part of her life. Although she had always believed in God, her faith truly flourished after she found Christian Fellowship Church nearly twenty years ago. Whenever her health allowed, Gerry could be found joyfully singing along to the worship music she loved at church. Her relationship with God was a constant source of strength and comfort throughout her life. Gerry had a warm, welcoming spirit and never met a stranger. She loved visiting with people wherever she went, whether it was a server at a favorite restaurant or someone standing beside her in line at the grocery store. She had a way of making everyone she met feel like an old friend. More than anything, Gerry loved her family. She was devoted to her daughters, her grandchildren, and her great-granddaughter; found great joy in gathering around a good meal; and cheered enthusiastically for her beloved Aggies and Cowboys. She also had a special love for her dogs, Sugar and Trout, whose companionship brought her comfort and joy. She delighted in spoiling them, often peeling and slicing apples just for them to enjoy. The moments she shared with those she loved were the ones she treasured most. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Michael “Mike” McLaughlin. High school sweethearts, they found their way back to one another later in life and shared ten cherished years of marriage before Mike's sudden passing. She carried his memory in her heart for the rest of her life. She is survived by her daughters, Sheila Taylor and her husband, Neil; Sharyn Brady and her husband, John Wetherold; Shannon McLaughlin and her husband, Jay Cobarrubias; and Shawn Frazier; her grandchildren, Leah Fountain, Ian Wetherold, Eric Wetherold, Fiona Frazier, Lucas Cobarrubias, and Ryan Cobarrubias; her great-granddaughter, Kinsley Tijerina; her sister, Ginger Brown; her brother, Jim Brown Jr. and his wife, Libby; her step-grandchildren, Brittany Beckhusen and Kimberly Chombo; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, former students, and dear friends. A celebration of Gerry's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Christian Fellowship Church, 2201 W. Trenton Rd., McAllen, TX 78504. Gerry's family invites all who knew and loved her to gather in remembrance, share stories, and honor the life she lived and the love she gave. In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor Gerry's memory to make a donation to Christian Fellowship Church, where she found a church family that meant so much to her. Donations may be made by contacting the church at (956) 428-2088, by email at corzinepa@gmail.com, or through online giving at www.CFCMcAllen.org.

Tributes

Geraldine "Gerry" McLaughlin

June 15, 2026