LINCOLNVILLE — Margaret “Maggie” Irene Laughlin, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and mentor to many, died on Saturday, October 14, 2023, surrounded by her cherished loved ones, after a spectacular fall sunset.

Born on September 4, 1951 in Malden, Massachusetts, Maggie was the second daughter of David and Marie (Yerrick) Myers. She graduated from Wakefield High School in 1969, where she was a popular cheerleader and a member of the National Honor Society.

Maggie first moved to Maine in the early 1970s, beginning her lifelong journey of becoming a “Mainer.” Throughout her life, she resided in Washington, Camden, Portland, Scarborough, and eventually retired to Lincolnville.

In 1993, Maggie moved to Camden with her two children. She worked at Pen Bay Medical Center (Northeast Health), as Director of Community Relations, while raising her children and taking classes at the University of Southern Maine, driving to Portland two nights a week, often in bad weather. She was never intimidated by a challenge and earned her Bachelor’s degree in the spring of 2002.
 
After her children were grown, she ventured back to southern Maine and began her second career as Administrative Officer for the Federal Public Defender of Maine. She was passionate about giving everyone a fair chance and loved her work there. In Portland, she was also actively involved in Federal Drug Court and was very proud of the impact the group had on people’s lives and the relationships she developed because of it.

A lifelong singer and member of various choral programs, she joined the vocal ensemble Zing!, led by Charles R. Brown, Jr. The group sang many original arrangements, performed at various venues across the state, and even recorded an album.

After her retirement, Maggie moved to Lincolnville in 2018 to be a full-time mid-coast resident. She worked part time with dear friends at The Smiling Cow in Camden and spent her free time searching for the perfect summer swimming hole, combing local beaches for treasures, creating driftwood wreaths, growing flowers, reading books, making jam, and spoiling her grandchildren.

She enjoyed hiking Mt. Battie, walking Beauchamp Point Road, and exploring the coast of Maine. One of her favorite places to visit was Long Island, Maine, where she and her children have been going for nearly 35 years. Her last trip was in August, just a few short weeks before her diagnosis. She spent hours at the beach, cruising the island, and enjoying time with her family and friends.

Throughout her life, Maggie had many adventures. She was never afraid to reinvent herself, and the universe rewarded her. She let her spirituality guide her decisions, and despite some arguably intrepid moves, she always came out on top. She had a way of making people from all walks of life feel valued and supported, and she was an avid cheerleader for the underdog. She never missed a birthday or an opportunity to take part in celebrating a special moment in your life. She was a trusted advisor — not only to her children, but her niece and nephews, her friends, her children’s friends, and many others.

She will be remembered for her grace, her incredible work ethic, her warm smile, her sparking blue eyes, and the immeasurable impact she had on her family and her community.

Maggie is predeceased by her parents.

Maggie is survived by her daughter Briana Rossiter, her husband Darren and their two daughters Avery and Sophia, of Lincolnville; son Daniel Laughlin, wife Whitney (Blethen) and their son Owen, of Windham; her sisters Mary Cavagnaro and husband Ben of Wells; and Jane Donahue and husband Daniel of Groveland, Massachusetts; also, her beloved niece and nephews Caitlin Donahue of Alexandra, Virginia, Jacob Donahue of Austin, Texas, and David Cavagnaro of Reno, Nevada.

She also leaves behind many dear friends, including Deece and Jan, who loved and cared for her in her final days and hours.

A celebration of Maggie’s life followed by a reception, will be held Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 3 p.m., at the First Congregation Church UCC, 55 Elm Street in Camden. We encourage friends and family to wear bright colors and bring stories about Maggie to share.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to one of her many charitable passions, including the Good Shepard Food Bank, or the Maine Children’s Home Christmas Program.

Condolences may be shared at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com. Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.