A few years back, Virginia McLaughlin rescued a black and white Shih Tzu from a shelter on St. Patrick’s Day. To mark the momentous first day with her new companion, the dog was named Shamrock, or Shammy for short, in honor of the holiday. Shammy stayed by Virginia’s side as her best companion until the very end.
Virginia was killed in far Northeast Philadelphia on Tuesday, Sept. 13. She was 68.
Throughout her life, she foremost loved her family, including her late-husband, Thomas, and her four sons. Her second greatest love was her dogs. Before she adopted Shammy, she rescued other dogs from shelters, including three other companions named Lambchop, Rosie and Carrie.
“[Shammy] meant the world to my mom,” Tom McLaughlin, Virginia’s son, told The Inquirer in September.
Beyond her love of dogs, Virginia loved being a mother and taking care of her children. When she wasn’t dedicating time to her family, she worked at Sweet Ovations in Northeast Philadelphia.
Virginia was born in Brooklyn and moved to Philadelphia to live with her husband.
Her sons hope to keep their mother’s legacy alive.
“Whether it is filling up a room with your smile,” Doug McLaughlin said in his eulogy, “taking interest in others, leaving an impression on those you have met, caring for animals, being a great parent or grandparent, being patriotic, being strong in facing challenges or being a happy person.”
Services were held in September at Galzerano Funeral Home.
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