Marguerite Violet Laughlin

MARGUERITE VIOLET (WHITING) SIMMONS LAUGHLIN, affectionately known as "KITTY", age 101, of Hastings and formerly of Peru, IN passed away on June 2, 2013 at Thornapple Manor in Hastings.

MARGUERITE was born in Melcher, IA on January 28, 1912 to NELSON FRANK and MARTHA CLARA (IHNOW) SWIFT WHITING.

She was raised in St. Ignace and attended La Salle High School, graduating in 1933. Her marriage to HOWARD "EBY" SIMMONS in 1934 ended in divorce.

MARGUERITE spent most of her adult life living in Washington DC. She was employed with the U.S. Navy Department and served as Administrative Assistant for the Naval Air Systems Command retiring in 1972. She moved to Peru, IN working for Hall & Sons, Inc. Well Drilling & Pump Service from 1973 to 1980. She served on the Erie Twp., Miami Co., IN advisory board for several years. She was a Women of the Moose member.

She was an avid quilter making heirloom quilts for her daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her passion was loving and caring for her special cats and dogs. Marguerite along with her companion Buzz and many fond memories of their annual "Squadrons 33 US Navy Reunions" through out the United States.

MARGUERITE was preceded in death by her parents; step brother, ROBERT WHITING, World War I veteran; sister, ROSE BEATRICE "Buster" JEWELL; RUTH HAMMER; brother, ERLE "Jiggs" WHITING, World War II veteran; very special long time companion IRBY "BUZZ" BUZZBEE, World War II, Korean War, and Viet Nam veteran.

MARGUERITE is survived by three daughters and their spouses; DIXIE LEE (SIMMONS) JOHNSTON & Wayne of Delton and St. Ignace; EOLIA "Sis" (SIMMONS) PROUT & CALVIN of Negaunee; SHAUNEEN (SIMMONS) WILSON & MARVIN of Puyallup, WA; eleven grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; one sister, VIOLET MCAULIFFE of Washington DC. Several nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions can be made to Thornapple Manor, 2700 Nashville Hwy. Hastings,Mi.49058.

Respecting her wishes, cremation has taken place with a private memorial to follow.