Josephine M. Mclaughlin

Josephine ("Jo") Mae Meyers McLaughlin, 88, passed peacefully from this life on January 18th. She was born as the youngest of five children to Allen and Josephine (Rice) Meyers on September 1, 1931, in Mansfield, Ohio.

Friends and family remember Jo for her sweet smile, generous heart, gentle spirit and creative gifts. Throughout her life Jo's faith shaped her values and actions as she sought to be kind and find ways to give back to the world. She used her gifts to create unique and welcoming homes where grandchildren have treasured memories of celebrations or simply exploring the toys and books she collected. She used her gifts in her church and community. Eventually her artistic skills found a home in the world of puppetry.

Jo was a longtime Dayton resident and it was here that she founded the Voyageur Puppet troupe. Along with the support of her husband, Bob and a variety of friends and family Jo gradually built puppets, staging and acts that traveled to all corners of the area and beyond. She is perhaps best known for an elaborate performance of "The Christmas Carol"; her musical variety shows that appealed to all ages; and the Medieval shows. Later, Jo began work with the Ohio Arts Council and brought the wonder of puppetry to school classes through artist in residency programs. The letters she received from those in her classes attest to the joy her gifts brought to others. She once wrote, "Puppetry keeps me an observer of all life around me. I look at everything through the eyes of a puppeteer. What fun!"

Jo and her husband, Bob shared a wide variety of activities beyond the world of puppetry. Together they enjoyed finding treasures at flea markets or antique shops, traveling to visit family and friends, camping in northern Wisconsin, eating out, sharing their home with a couple large dogs, and of course spending time with grandchildren. Jo was particularly fond of visiting the ocean or watching clouds and birds.

Jo was a lifelong learner who was always interested in learning about new forms of puppetry. Although she didn't always talk about her faith, it shaped how she lived her life. She embraced people from all walks of life and cultures and she loved stories from all over the world. She remained, always, young at heart.


Jo is survived by daughters Nancy (Jim) Story of Athens and Brenda Stearns of Centerville; grandchildren Elizabeth, Andrew, Jonathan, Katie, Leilani, Isaiah, and Josh. nine great-grandchildren and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. She is survived also by countless friends. She was preceded in death by husband Robert ("Bob") McLaughlin, her siblings Theron, Gwynedd, LaNola and Jane. The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff of Spring Hills Singing Woods, and Kindred Hospice for the loving care given to Jo during the past year. The family is grateful to all those who were able to visit, call or write to her in her final years.

A memorial service for Jo will be held on February 8 at the Schwalm Chapel of the Fairhaven Church 637 E. Whipp Rd. Centerville, Ohio. There will be time for visitation with family beginning at 10:30 AM and the service will follow at 11:00 AM.

Please consider a gift to GoodWorks of Athens, Ohio or a charity of your choice that provides support to those in need. One of Jo's favorite quotes reminds us, "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." (source unknown)


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