Patricia Ann Mclaughlin

Patricia "Patty" Ann (Graham) McLaughlin, age 64, of Benson, passed away at the Swift County Benson Hospital on August 21, 2020, with her husband and daughter at her side. A private graveside memorial will be held later in September. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Swift County Humane Society c/o Wendy Munsterman 211 11th St. N. Benson, MN 56215.

Patty was born in Benson on December 15, 1955, the daughter of Thomas and Irene (Dahl) Graham. She was baptized and confirmed at Pilgrim Congregational Church in Benson. Patty graduated from Benson High School in 1974.

Patty started dating Michael "Mike" McLaughlin in 1972 when she kept her horses at the pastures owned by Mike's parents. Mike would target shoot his bow and arrows into Patty's hay bales, and that is how they met. On August 28, 1976, Patty and Mike were united in marriage at Pilgrim Congregational Church. This union was blessed with 44 years of marriage and one daughter.

After high school, Patty worked at Fingerhut Corporation, Swift County Human Services, and the Benson Bowler. In 1981, Mike and Patty started Mc-T's Billiards, which Patty managed for 10 years and met many wonderful people along the way. The City of Benson then purchased the Mc-T's building to start the Benson Youth Center, which Patty managed for a few years. In 1993, she started a painting and decorating business. Patty took great pride in her work and had many satisfied residential and business clients until her retirement in 2016.

Patty was an avid nature lover and was always active and on the go, up until her health challenges over the past few years. Patty cherished her time with family and friends at Lake Minnewaska, slaying the walleyes on the Chippewa River, playing pool and softball league, riding horses, Wednesday nights at Duffy's, and taking care of her cats. Patty was blessed with great musical talent. She loved singing with the Blues Brothers Revue, playing guitar, playing cornet at holiday church services, and also singing in the church choir. Patty enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins, any show on HGTV, and also followed "The Voice."

Patty is survived by her husband, Mike McLaughlin of Benson; daughter, Jenny McLaughlin of Blaine; two brothers, Donald Graham of Willmar and Steve Graham of Farmington; and two sisters-in-law, Linda Moriarty of Bloomington and Denise Graham of Farmington. Patty also leaves behind three nieces, two nephews, her cats, a granddog, and other relatives and friends. Patty was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Irene Graham. Blessed be her memory.