The beautiful soul that we knew as Jessica Lee McLaughlin has left this Earth to take her rightful place as an angel next to God. It's nearly impossible to summarize a life, let alone one that touched so many people.

Jessica came into this world on September 21, 1982. The second child of Limarie Santiago and Ramon A. Vargas, and little sister to Ramon I. Vargas. She was a blonde, curly haired ball of laughter that had to learn to speak English by watching TV after spending too much time speaking only Spanish with her grandmother. Jessica eventually became a big sister to brothers Adrian and Daniel Vargas when her dad married Candida Vargas.

From Lawrence to Juana Diaz, then back to the states to Salem and eventually Haverhill, school was never her favorite. However, she managed to get it together enough to graduate with her brother Anthony Roman from UMass Lowell in 2006 with a degree in Criminal Justice. With dreams of being an FBI agent behind her, Jessica went into the car business and met her Atamian family, where she spent 16 years surrounded by love, respect, and admiration.

With a career in full swing, Jessica turned her attention to creating her own family when she met Lamar McLaughlin in September 2007. It wasn't love at first glance, but Lamar eventually convinced Jessica to take him seriously in what is now known as the gum wrapper incident. They exchanged vows in October 2012 and went halfsies on 2 beautiful children. Sophia McLaughlin born February 20, 2012 and Lamar McLaughlin born January 31, 2016.

Being a parent was one of Jessica's greatest joys.  She was very particular about their outfits, hair, bath times, and wearing socks in the house. Every milestone from first words to walking were relished in the moment. Every birthday was meticulously planned and executed. Bedtimes were enjoyed every night with books, prayer, and kisses. Jessica not only loved her kids, but every other kid in her life. She was a Godmother to quite a few and a Titi to 4 nieces and nephews; Nina and Calvin Vargas, Sebastian Roman, and Isabel Vargas.

The constant theme In Jessica's life was family, and not just in the traditional sense. This is a family defined by loving relationships. Family extended from high school friends, neighbors, co-workers, bosses, friend of a friend… the list is endless. Her ability to connect with people and provide a shoulder to lean on allowed the true definition of collective love to shine through her beautiful soul.

In June 2020, an uninvited guest came to visit. Although cancer is a relentless and unforgiving opponent, Jessica was an equally fierce champion. To describe her as a fighter would be unfair to what she actually endured for over two and a half years. Through it all, she never lost her will to live. Jessica talked about kicking cancer in the teeth, starting a foundation, and helping those less fortunate who have been impacted by this awful disease. Unfortunately, on December 16, 2022, Jessica Lee McLaughlin lost her long battle with cancer.

Cancer impacts more and more people every year. It debilitates our loved ones little by little and then leaves them unrecognizable. Which then makes it difficult for us to remember them as they were. Fortunately for us, one of the biggest blessings we have is a beautiful family. A big family that loves and supports each other. A family that shares in the sorrow, but also in the laughs and memories of this beautiful soul that we know as Jessica. How we move forward is currently undefined, but know that we have to. Life continues to be precious and it should be enjoyed with the memories of our loved ones always in our hearts. Let's keep Jessica's memory alive by celebrating her life, sharing her pictures, laughing at memories, telling stories about our experiences with her, and most importantly, loving each other as she loved all of us.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, December 29th from 4 to 7pm at the Carrier Family Funeral Home, 38 Range Road, Windham, NH 03087. A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday morning at 10am at the Granite United Church, 1 Sand Hill Road, Salem, NH 03079.

For directions or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.carrierfuneralhome.com.