Alice Pass McLaughlin
November 19, 1928 to April 23, 2015
Born Alice Nell Pass to parents Fletcher Hulen Pass and Eulala Smith Pass, in Lathemtown, Georgia – about 45 miles north of Atlanta. She had two older brothers, George Lamar and Fletcher Hulen Jr.. Fourteen years later, while later living in Atlanta, there at a Community dance, Alice met a sailor-student named Charles McLaughlin who was attending Georgia Tech. He hailed from Philadelphia. This meeting turned into quite a courtship leading to their marriage in 1947. Their marriage was not quite by the rules of the day. Mom was a proper southerner, and a protestant at that. Charles was a Yankee – a Catholic Yankee. But true love prevailed any protest or family politics.
Alice and Charles had career travels that took them to Ohio, Philadelphia, back to Atlanta, Detroit; and ultimately to southern California. Charles was with General Motors at the time and took a transfer to California. He was later employed with Hughes Aircraft Company where he spent the last 25 years of his career.
Alice and Charlie moved to Palos Verdes in 1957. While us "southern" Californians would consider this paradise. Alice was home sick for many years until her PV home was filled with the busyness of four children, Tina, Dan, Jay and John. As the youngest entered grade school, Alice went to work part time as the Hospitality Hostess and Checkout Clerk at Vons Grocery Store in the Peninsula Center. There for 25 years, Alice became acquainted with an endless number of customers who became longtime friends.
As Alice's children grew, she and her Irish-Charlie had more time to be the consummate host of many gatherings at their home. Activities in their social circle included a lot of bridge (make that a lot of bridge!), travel, and time at their second home in the desert – Rancho Mirage. No matter who you were, this socialite couple always made sure that you had plenty to eat; and yes, plenty to drink. Mom's favorite: margaritas!
When Alice lost "her Charlie" four years ago, a marriage of 63 years, she maintained her independence. Her skills of playing bridge and her participation in numerous bridge circles kept her social calendar full. She often played bridge five to six times a week. Her friends would also tell you that she also won a lot of money from them. (Note: that means something like ten dollars in quarters…:)
Alice loved greatly on her kids. She was blessed with six grandchildren, Michelle, Michael, James, Eric, Sean, and Min, who brought her may thrills. And, she was triply blessed to get to enjoy two great grand children, Fiona and Meriel.
Alice will be missed, but the southern charm of this Georgia Belle will always live with us and through us.
Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275