November 4, 1935 - September 13, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Hilda Grace MacLaughlan of Maitland, Ontario. Hilda passed away at Brockville General Hospital on Friday, September 13, 2024, following a lengthy and courageous battle with heart and kidney disease.
Hilda is survived by her husband of 70 years, John (Jack) MacLaughlan, retired R.C.M.P. Superintendent and former Chief of the Sarnia Police Service. Together, Hilda and John raised six children, whom Hilda loved dearly and of whom she was immensely proud: John (Ann), retired R.C.M.P. Assistant Commissioner; Craig (Dorothea), retired R.C.M.P. Superintendent; Bonnie Gray (Tim, retired R.C.M.P. Inspector) Entrepreneur; Shane (Allison)
retired Transportation Executive; Karen (Jim) Banker; and Todd (Kim) President and CEO of Profunda pharmaceuticals. The MacLaughlan family enjoys many grandchildren and great-grandchildren living across Canada and the U.S.A.
Hilda was born in Botwood, Newfoundland, the daughter of the late George and Stella Coates. She is survived by her sister, Marilyn Langdon (Kevin), and was predeceased by her sister, Ruby Matthews (Gerald, also deceased).
A graduate of Botwood High School and Holland College in Charlottetown, P.E.I., Hilda had a vibrant career. In addition to raising a large family, she was a successful Tupperware salesperson, managed a kitchen boutique, worked in the printing industry, established her own greeting card business, and even drove a school bus.
While John was posted in P.E.I., Hilda served as the Lady-in-Waiting to two Lieutenant Governors and had the unique honor of dining on the Royal Yacht Britannia during the visit of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
Hilda was very proud of her active membership in Beta Sigma Phi, where she made lifelong friends in several provinces. One of her proudest moments came when she was invited to join the pilot flying over the Alps in a C-130 Hercules military aircraft—showcasing her adventurous spirit.
Brave and loyal, Hilda followed her husband on many transfers across six provinces and beyond without complaint, making cherished friends wherever she went.
Her family is heartbroken by the loss of such a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will never be replaced.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate doctors, nurses, and staff at the Ottawa Heart Institute, Kingston General Hospital, and Brockville General Hospital who worked tirelessly to restore her health. Special gratitude goes to Rev. Jon Lavelle and R.C.M.P. Padre Archdeacon John M. Robertson for their kindness and most important pastoral care, as well as to Brent Irvine for his invaluable assistance and advice.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Irvine Memorial Chapel and Reception Centre, 2451 County Road 15, Maitland, ON. A private family interment will follow in the Tower Columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Hilda to St. James Anglican Church, Maitland, Ontario, would be greatly appreciated by the family.
Remembered with respect and gratitude for her service. | 
