LOWVILLE, NY - Rita M. McLaughlin, 80, died at home on Tuesday morning, September 3, 2013 under the care of her family and Lewis County Hospice. Rita was born on October 28, 1932 in Watertown the daughter of the late Harry and Hazel Karp Simmons. She grew up on the Swiss Road in Croghan and attended Beaver River High School. She married Robert McLaughlin, Sr. on August 11, 1951 at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Lowville with Rev. Cotter officiating. The couple raised their family in Southeastern Connecticut where they resided for over 40 years. Rita was employed at some of the best restaurants in the area in many positions. She and Bob returned to the North Country where they opened Hilltop Bed and Breakfast on State Route 12 in Lowville. Over the years she and Bob enjoyed traveling around the country as well as to the Azores a region of Portugal. Their favorite destination was Reno, Nevada where they enjoyed spending time with friends. Robert died on April 28, 2002. She is survived by her children Robert Jr. and his wife Roberta of New London, CT, Rick and his wife Lynda of Duanesburg, NY, Russell and his wife Tracy of Groton, CT, Rise Balash and Ron Krug of Boonville, NY; her sister and brother-in-law, Marie and Richard Hardy of Lyons Falls, NY; eight grandchildren, Jason Balash and his wife Jody; Melissa Muha and her husband Glen; Frank Balash and his wife Jordan; Sara McLaughlin and Brian Smith; Christopher McLaughlin; Lyndsey McLaughlin; Jenna McLaughlin; Emily McLaughlin; Great grandchildren, Brooke and Wesley Balash; Alexander Muha; and Mason Smith. Also nieces and nephews, her brothers-in-law, George and Albert McLaughlin and their families. And her beloved dog Herki. The family would like to thank Helen Larkins who for the past 5 years has given Rita special care and friendship. Also Paul Ingersall, Roxanne Marolf and Robert Swain for Rira's care and Shirley Stogsdill for her special friendship. A memorial service will be held on Saturday September 7th at 11:00 AM at Sundquist Funeral Home, 7676 North State Street, Lowville, NY with Rev. Ronald Pominville, Deacon of St. Peter's Catholic Church officiating. Burial will be in Bourne National Cemetery on Cape Cod, MA at a later date. In lieu flowers donations may be made to the Lewis County Hospice 7785 North State Street Lowville, NY 13367