Theresa Mary McLaughlin

Theresa Mary McLaughlin was born Lee Seok Kim on January 23, 1935 in Ipoh, Malaysia. She attended a convent school and was baptized Theresa after St. Teresa, the ‘Little Flower.’ She was the first of her seven siblings to study overseas. She attained her teaching degree from Kirby College in Liverpool, England in 1956. She returned to Malaysia and worked teaching English. She is predeceased by her husband, George McLaughlin, a Scottish tin miner. They were married on April 4, 1961. She is survived by her children Monique McLaughlin, Andrea (Chris) Cameron and Cosmas Damian McLaughlin; her grandchildren Daniel Cameron, Benjamin Cameron, Gavin Cameron and Sarah Cameron; her brother-in-law James Au; her sister-in-law Voon Choon Lee; her brother Larry (Julie) Lee and many nieces and nephews in Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, USA and the United Kingdom.

The family emigrated to Canada from Malaysia in May 1975. Theresa stayed at home when the children were young then worked at a Day Care for immigrant children until she retired in 2000. Theresa was very active in her parish, Star of the Sea/Good Shepherd. She attended daily Mass and often chose the hymns and read the Readings. She also started up a Seniors’ Fitness Group that was in place until the COVID pandemic caused it to shut down in 2020. Theresa had a strong faith and a special devotion to Our Lady. As her physical ailments increased, she watched daily Mass and prayed the Rosary and the Divine Mercies through televised programs. She had a love for roses and nurtured a beautiful rose garden throughout her life. She enjoyed scratch lottery tickets and the anticipation of a win brought many joyful moments for her family. Her children and grandchildren were the joys of her life. She would often tell everyone how proud she was of all of them. She was a loved and cherished mother and was adored by her grandchildren.

On Jan 31, 2026, at the age of 91, Theresa passed away peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Her physical presence will be truly missed. We will hold her in our hearts always. We are comforted in knowing that her beloved husband, George, and God will be there to welcome her home.

Prayers will be offered on Wednesday, February 11th, 2026 at 4:30pm -5:30pm at Good Shepherd Church (Star of the Sea Parish) located at 2250 150 Street, Surrey, BC. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, February 12th, 2026 at 11:00am at Good Shepherd Church. Fathers Mario Fernandes and Francis Mallya will be concelebrants. There will be a short reception at the church, followed by an internment (burial) at Gardens of Gethsemani Cemetery, located at 5694 32 Avenue, Surrey, BC at 2:30pm at the gravesite.