Former Patch Columnist, Social Activist Dies at 70

Carolann M. McLoughlin, age 70, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully on July 10 at home surrounded by her loving family.

Carolann was predeceased by her parents Ann Marie and Lt. Col. Michel J. McLoughlin. She is survived by her soul mate and spouse of 37 years Beverlee M. Akerblom, Shrewsbury; two sons Joseph M. Perry, USA and Russell E. Perry, Shrewsbury; a daughter and son-in-law, Denise and Lee Hoagland, Long Branch.

She is also proudly survived by eight grandchildren: Josephine Perry, Asbury Park; Shaughnessy Perry, Asbury Park; Brittany Perry, Renton, WA; Rayne Perry, Cortland, NY; Aidan Newell, Farmingdale; Daisy, Violet and Jasmine Hoagland, all of Long Branch.

Carolann was born in New York. She was a proud Army brat and traveled extensively with her family, living in Germany, Guam and Japan. Returning to the States, they resided in Petaluma, Calif. and Neptune, N.J. She is a graduate of the 1962 class of St. Rose in Belmar. She loved her classmates and kept her class united by organizing social events and reunions for 50 years.

Carolann attended St. Elizabeth's College and graduated nursing school in 1969 from Ann May School of Nursing, Fitkin Hospital, Neptune. In the 1970's she pursued writing and has been writing ever since. Carolann was the editor of several magazines including: McLoughlin's Magazine; Compass, Sequel; Chatterbox; Court Pride; Georgian Court university Magazine; Fleet; and has been published in countless national magazines.

She worked for March of Dimes and created the logo and theme, “A pregnant woman never drinks alone.” She won a JASPER Award and received a Silver Gull Award from the Monmouth Ocean Development Council. Carolann had a strong homage to social service and justice. Her affiliations are countless. Her representation on boards and committees throughout the State of NJ and Monmouth County are numerous. She served on the Shrewsbury Board of Health for 25 years.

She will be greatly missed in her community as she was a staple figure for 34 years with her spouse and family. She traveled to Honduras with the Sisters of Mercy. She was a seasonal resident on Skaneateles Lake, N.Y. for 14 years.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St., Red Bank. A funeral service will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 16 at 11 a.m. at Christ Church, 380 Sycamore Avenue, Shrewsbury. Interment will follow at Fair View Cemetery, Middletown.

The family requests that memorial donations be made in her memory to either the Shrewsbury Fire Department, P.O. Box 7239, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702 or the Shrewsbury First Aid Squad, PO Box 262., Shrewsbury, NJ 07702.