Chin Helen Mc Laughlin

Chin Helen Mc Laughlin passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 19, 2011 after courageously and successfully fighting lung and brain cancers. She was born in Boston in 1940 to Chinese immigrants. Her parents instilled in her and her brothers and sisters a great work ethic and love of family. Chin was married for more than 50 fabulous and fun years to the love of her life, Calvin. Chin was a devoted mother and role model for many. She took great pride in her children Heather, Chris and Andrew, grandchildren Bee, Ross, Meghan and Nicole, her other kids Li and Su Yin, her CASA kids, and her sons-in-laws Jon and Jess. She wants you all to know that she is still watching you and you had better behave! She is also survived by her brothers and sisters and families. She was grateful to see them recently. She wants you to know that she will be listening to make sure you tell the childhood tales correctly! Chin also had great friends who provided her much delight.

Chin had a wide and varied career as a volunteer and professional. All of her work focused on public service and she instilled that value in all of her children. Those who know her know how suited her personality was for her work as an IRS agent. She also held various management positions with UCI and the Cancer Research Institute. Her volunteer work included Meals on Wheels, the Orange County Grand Jury, the Newport Beach Planning Commission (1978 to 1984) and other boards and commissions, the Relay for Life in Benicia, and as a court appointed advocate for foster kids through the CASA program. She was a long time Republican until the Clarence Thomas hearings made her see the light and she became an active Democrat. She enjoyed mentoring politicians and aspiring politicians to help make the world a better place. She took pride in the fact when her friends were appointed or elected to various government positions.

The family sends their thanks and appreciation to the excellent staff and doctors at Kaiser and UCI Medical Center. Thanks also to Dad, Chris, Andrew, and Jess for taking great care of her and her evil twin. And to Bee, the light of her life, for making her strong.

At the request of Chin, no memorial will be held. If you wish to make a donation in her honor, the family suggests the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in Benicia. Her techniques for selling ice cream for the Benicia Soroptimists at the Relay on the coldest day will not be soon forgotten.