Mary McLaughlin Lonchar

Mary Magdalene McLaughlin Lonchar, 88, of Branson, Missouri

Mary Magdalene McLaughlin Lonchar, 88, of Branson, Missouri, died May 25, 2022. She was born Dec. 19, 1933, to Irene Borgetti and John Cudora McLaughlin in Danville, Pennsylvania. 

Mary spent most of her life working in the retail industry. She was a buyer for Ramsey's Department Stores in Joplin, Missouri and Pittsburg, Kansas, and a manager or consultant for several shops in Branson, including The Pottery Shop and The Crystal Fish.

Mary loved to travel and visited 49 states, Canada, Mexico, several Caribbean islands, England and Italy. She enjoyed swimming, boating, ice skating and bowling. She was a talented seamstress and needleworker. 

Mary grew up in Shamokin, Pennsylvania. She attended Catholic schools and graduated from St. Edward High School. She treasured her lifelong friendships from school and was the main organizer of the Class of 1951's anniversary reunions. She formed enduring friendships through her jobs, volunteering as a Girl Scout leader, and while visiting family and friends in California, Pennsylvania and Canada.

She is survived by her daughters: Donna Lonchar of Fayetteville, Arkansas; Linda Lonchar Cherry and husband, Tim, of Branson; granddaughter, Amber Lonchar Cherry of Branson; sister-in-law, Vera McLaughlin, of Shamokin; nieces and nephews: Diane and James Shimko and son Zac, of Seattle, Washington; JoElle Gragilla of Wellington, New Zealand; JoAnn McLaughlin of Shamokin; Michael and Jennifer McLaughlin of Shamokin and son Sean of Salt Lake City, Utah; Timothy and Luann McLaughlin of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and daughters Maddie, Tara, Paige and Abby. She also had a special place in her heart for her four-legged friends: Gabby, Vivi, and Bella.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Harold Johns; brother, Joseph J. McLaughlin; sister, JoAnn McLaughlin Gragilla, husband Edward and son Michael; half-brother, Edward McLaughlin; stepbrother, Bobby Johns; Uncle Tony and Aunt Dora Banke; Uncle Kelly and Aunt Margaret Borgetti; Uncle Joe and Aunt Lil Borgetti; Aunt Loretta Borgetti; Aunt Charlotte and Uncle Bart Bartol and daughter Jackie; and former husband, Peter Lonchar.

Join us at an informal gathering inspired by Mary's Irish and Italian heritage from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 3, at the Lakewood Estates Clubhouse, 700 Parnell Drive in Branson, Mo.

In lieu of flowers or donations, Mary would've said to take the money and "Go do something fun." Cremation is under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.cremationsoftheozarks.com.