Maureen Perkovich

God granted eternal peace to Maureen Mary (McLaughlin) Perkovich, welcoming
her with open arms, on Wednesday, March 27, 2013. She left us suddenly at
Fairview University Medical Center – Mesabi in Hibbing, surrounded by loved ones.
Maureen was born on November 26, 1954, to Paul E. and Mary Jane (Kennedy)
McLaughlin in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her childhood, spent in Richfield, Minnesota,
was filled with dancing, skating, and sledding with friends and family. The highlight
of those years was spending each summer with the cousins she adored in the place
she loved, Side Lake, Minnesota. A devout Catholic, Maureen celebrated her
sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation at St. Richard’s Catholic
Church in Richfield. She graduated from St. Richard’s Catholic School in 1969.
In 1970, Maureen relocated to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, with her family. She
thoroughly enjoyed her high school years, as she took pride in her roles as captain of
the cheerleading squad and captain of the DECA club. School spirit was central in
Maureen’s life, and all her classmates knew and loved her. She graduated from Eau
Claire Memorial High School with the class of 1973. Maureen then attended the
University of Wisconsin – Green Bay, where she studied social work.
Maureen was united in marriage with Frank Perkovich on May 29, 1988. They, along
with their dog ‘Buddy’, made their home at Side Lake. Since 2008, Maureen has been
a resident of Hibbing. Calling ‘the beautiful Hillcrest Terrace’ her home, Maureen
made her closest friends amongst its residents and staff. She especially cherished
the companionship of her special friend, Walter Smith.
With utmost devotion to the Virgin Mary, Maureen led a life of passionate faith and
prayer. Her greatest gift to those she touched was that of her unconditional love,
which she expressed through her passion of art. Never missing a special occasion,
Maureen used her beautiful voice, her drawings, and her letters to make those in her
life feel loved. Maureen’s life, a model of unending faith, courage and strength, will
live on forever in those who knew her; her smile and her beautiful blue eyes will
always warm our hearts.
Maureen’s family would like to express their sincerest thanks and gratitude to the
staff of Hillcrest Terrace for their love and patience with Maureen, Patti Pritchard
and Ilona Kearney for brightening Maureen’s days and for their endless care and
compassion, and the Hibbing paramedics, the staff at Fairview University Medical
Center – Mesabi and especially Dr. Stanley Bezek and Dr. Anthony Bastianelli, and
Father Fred Method for comforting Maureen and her loved ones in Maureen’s last
moments.
Maureen is survived by her siblings, Tom (Sue) McLaughlin of Hibbing, Patty (Jerry)
Groessel of Janesville, Wis., Marty (Dianne) Murrer-McLaughlin of Side Lake, Mick
(Patti) McLaughlin of Eau Claire, Wis., Paul (Kim) McLaughlin of Hibbing, and Joseph
McLaughlin of Side Lake; numerous cousins; nieces and nephews Mike (Dawna),
Matt, and Molly McLaughlin, Mike (Julia), Paul, and Patrick Groessel, Morgan, Forest,
Shayne, Aarin, and Tye McLaughlin, and her special godchildren Jason Groessel and
Katie McLaughlin; great-niece and –nephew Lauren and Benjamin Groessel.
Maureen was reunited with her parents Paul E. and Mary Jane McLaughlin and
great-nephew Elijah McLaughlin.
Visitation will be Tuesday, April 2, 2013, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
in Hibbing, from 11:30 a.m. until the 1 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will
be in Maple Hill Cemetery, Hibbing.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Blessed Sacrament
Church, Hibbing, MN. Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home, Hibbing,

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