Carolyn "Sue" Hayden McLaughlin

Carolyn ‘Sue’ McLaughlin (Hayden), 82, passed away on March 15, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was born on March 14, 1944, in Portsmouth, Virginia, to Mildred May Hayden (Judd) and Edward Richard Hayden. Sue was truly a very special lady to many people. She was a loving mother to her four children. She was very proud of her five grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Her infectious smile lit up a room. Sue grew up on the near Westside of Indianapolis. Some of her fondest memories as a child included trips to Lake Shafer, IN where she loved riding horses. Her love for Lake Shafer continued into her adult life and she shared that love with her four children, sister Judith and her three children, and her mother Mildred, with yearly trips to “The Lake” and time spent at Indiana Beach. Sue enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking, fishing, singing and visiting Tennessee. Sue passed away peacefully at Life’s Journey Hospice, Indianapolis, Indiana, on March 15, 2026, with her family at her side. She commented that she wanted to make it to her 82nd birthday. One of the last things she said to family was she couldn’t wait to ride a horse again. Fly high sweet lady, reunited with family and unencumbered by ailments. Enjoy riding those majestic horses through the clouds and across the sky. Sue was preceded in death by her mother, Mildred Hayden; her father, Edward Hayden; her sister, Judith Doan, brother in-law Ray Doan; and her loving husband, Robert E. McLaughlin. Carolyn is survived by her 4 children, Matthew (Brenda) Spencer, Mark Spencer (Jack Sceifers, Bruce Skidmore), Linda (Aaron) Trent and Robert (Kenneth) McLaughlin; her grandchildren, Katelyn Acey (Chris Skindzier), Jacob (Emily) Spencer, Kylan Trent, Cora Trent and Liam Trent; and her great-grandchildren, Graesyn Skindzier, Meadow Skindzier, Wyatt Spencer, and Lincoln Spencer. Sue was a member of Fleming Garden Christian Church. There will be no service. Family will hold a private Celebration of Life