Marilyn Gail Mclaughlin (Lovell)

Marilyn Gail (Lovell) McLaughlin, 89, died June 20 from complications from a fall. "Gail" was born in Oakland to Dewey and Evelyn Lovell, the older of two daughters. A graduate of Sacramento High School, she also earned her bachelor's and master's degrees at Sacramento State University. She earned her private pilot's license at the age of 16, and flew with the Civil Air Patrol. Gail served her country in the United States Marine Corps. during World War II, serving as a Company Clerk from 1944-1946. She is a Past Commander of American Legion Post 392. Gail also worked as an elementary school teacher in the Sacramento City Unified School District for more than 20 years. Anyone who knew Gail discovered she was a "character." She was fiercely independent her whole life. Military airplanes were a passion of Gail's, and she could often be found enjoying air shows that came to the Sacramento area. She was a voracious reader, fantastic cook and loved big, colorful hats. Gail is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas James McLaughlin. She is survived by two sons, Michael (Anita Lee) of Ajijic, Mexico and Robert (Karen) of Modesto, and daughter Linda Dismukes (Dennis Saxby) of Fair Oaks; her sister, Aileen Cuilla (Paul); six grandchildren, Jim and Bret Dismukes, Natalie Rioux, Amy and Ryan McLaughlin, and Jaimee Lee; six great-grandchildren, Savannah, Noah, Shayla, Carly, Katie and Jameson; and several nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. The family wishes to extend its heartfelt thanks to the staff of Mercy General Hospital's Emergency Room, Medical Intensive Care Unit and Acute Surgical Unit, who cared for her so expertly in her short stay with them. A special thanks also goes out to the staff of Pioneer House, who were there for Gail for the past year and a half. A "party" Celebration of Life was held in Fair Oaks, CA on Saturday, June 28.ks, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Loaves and Fishes at 1351 North C Street, Sacramento, CA, 95811, or to a charity of your choice.