Joe Anne Mclaughlin

Joe-Anne McLaughlin, aged 73, was a passionate poet and writer who peacefully passed away in her sleep on April 20, 2023. Born in Philadelphia on February 28, 1950, Joe-Anne was a remarkable individual whose memory will forever be cherished.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Julia Boehm, her loving husband Hayden Carruth, and her beloved son Adam McLaughlin. Joe-Anne is survived by her brothers, Joseph McLaughlin of Absecon, NJ and John (Alex) McLaughlin of Sneads Ferry, NC, along with their children: Shannon Scanlan Freeman and Kristin Scanlan Russell, both of NC; Jef McLaughlin (Dawn) and their children, Kimberlee Starr and Seth, all of Absecon, NJ; as well as her grandchildren, Joseph (Isabella) McLaughlin of Hammonton, NJ, and Makayla McLaughlin of Hammonton, NJ. Joe-Anne's extensive extended family also mourns her loss.

Joe-Anne's love for nature knew no bounds; she adored taking her grandchildren to wildlife refuges, ensuring they learned about everything from local species of birds to the phases of the moon. From an early age, she instilled in them a deep appreciation for all living things and the interconnectedness of humanity.

As an accomplished author, Joe-Anne leaves behind a remarkable literary legacy. She authored three collections of poetry: "Black Irish Blues," "JAM," and "The Banshee Diaries." Her passion for poetry extended beyond her writing, as she conducted poetry workshops in both the United States and Ireland. Additionally, she imparted her wisdom as a writing instructor at various colleges, most recently at Richard Stockton University of New Jersey. Furthermore, Joe-Anne directed the summer program at The Hayden Carruth Museum Library in upstate NY. Her educational journey culminated with a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Syracuse University. Her poetry graced the pages of esteemed literary journals and magazines such as Poetry, Ploughshares, The Georgia Review, and Southern Poetry Review. Throughout her life, Joe-Anne remained devoted to her craft, continuing to write poetry that touched the hearts of many.

Beyond her literary achievements, Joe-Anne was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, and nana, leaving an indelible impact on the lives of those who knew her. Her absence will be deeply felt by all. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date, allowing friends and family to gather and commemorate the extraordinary person she was.