Mrs. Elke McLaughlin (nee Schliephacke), 80, of Berwyn, PA, passed away peacefully in her home on August 30, 2020. She was born on April 3, 1940 in Frankfurt, Germany and was the youngest child of Gustav Otto Schliephacke and Maria-Louise (nee Jacobi) Schliephacke.

Elke grew up in Eschwege and Frankfurt Germany graduating from Holbein-Mittleschule in 1956. During her childhood, Elke was an accomplished track and field athlete specializing in "Dreikampf" ( 100m sprint, long jump and shot put) , an excellent swimmer, and a dedicated student. After graduating the Spohrer business school in 1958 at 18 years old, Elke went to work for the US Armed Forces, Headquarters, Northern Area Command managing their new telephone directory system and performing numerous other roles including German-English translation in support of the Budget, Fiscal, and Management Branch. She next worked for a new Volvo dealership in Frankfurt as an operator, translator, and assistant to the Sales Manager and in 1962, joined the Underwriting Department of the American Military International Insurance Association supporting many phases of the Home Office auto insurance as well as their Sales and Service Offices.  Not surprisingly, Elke received glowing letters of recommendation from each of her employers recognizing her exemplary performance, attention to detail, complete reliability, and her ability to work both independently and constructively with her colleagues.

Also in 1962, Elke met First Lt. Clifton E. McLaughlin from Turner, Maine while he was stationed in Frankfurt with the US Army. Soon after Cliff's Honorable Discharge in 1963, Elke emigrated to the United States with him and settled into life and work in Norwood, Massachusetts. Since neither family could travel to the other's home, and not wishing to upset either set of parents, Elke and Cliff married on January 29, 1966 in Brunswick, Georgia with only two close Army friends from Germany and the Church Minister in attendance!

Soon after finding a small apartment in Ardmore, and while expecting, Elke and Cliff started Eastern Controls, Inc. on January 2, 1969 in Haverford, PA with their dear friends John and Anna Bravacos.  After becoming a Mom to Cliff, Jr., Elke took over running the show at home with the same attention to detail, complete reliability, and exemplary performance that she was known for. In 1972, Elke moved her family into their Forever Home a few years later and, following a common theme, quickly made many dear and lifelong friends of all her new neighbors for the next 35 years! However, one of her proudest accomplishments during this time was becoming a Naturalized U.S. Citizen in 1973.

Around the same time, Elke found an exciting new outlet for her competitive drive when she discovered Paddle Tennis! She quickly became hooked and spent the next 40+ years competing in Interclub, MAPTA, and National Tournaments, and won many Ladies and Mixed Club Championships at Aronimink while making countless lifelong friendships in the local Paddle Tennis and Tennis community.  Her Paddle Tennis partners remain among her closest friends today!  She and Cliff also enjoyed travelling and visited many countries over the years including China, Israel, Russia, Australia, South Africa, Egypt, New Zealand, and many, many others. When Elke eventually moved into Waynesboro Woods, she made many new friends there as well.

For the last 16 years, Elke's pride and joy has been her beautiful Granddaughter, Gracie.   No day went by without Amo (as she was known to Gracie) thinking about, talking about (ok..bragging about), watching her games, or just spending time with her beloved Gracie. After Gracie recently got her Driver's License, Amo would not stop glowing with pride whenever Gracie drove Elke anywhere. Gracie was truly the light of Elke's life.

Elke also fell in love with the Saddlebrook development near Tampa, and she thoroughly enjoyed spending time there with Gracie, her family, and friends celebrating holidays, birthdays, and special events together there for many years.

Elke was kind, friendly, and compassionate. She was an elegant person who conducted herself with dignity and grace at all times. Elke made friends with everyone she encountered. She truly savored competition, having things in order, being with people, hosting an event at her home or at Aronimink, and just having a glass of wine with her friends and family. Although she will be missed, the countless fond memories will last a lifetime.

Elke is survived by her Son Cliff McLaughlin, Jr. (Sue), her beloved Granddaughter Gracie McLaughlin, and her Brother Fritz Schliephacke (Emily) of Wawa, Ontario Canada. Elke was preceded in death by her Husband Cliff, her Mother Marie-Louise, her Father Gustav, and her Sister Marlise. Per Elke's wishes, her ashes will be scattered at her favorite places and a celebration of Elke's Life, including refreshments and Dinner fare, will be held on Thursday September 17 from 4PM to 7PM under cover outdoors at the Paddle Facility & Tennis Bubble of Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, PA.  Dress should be "Paddle Tennis Hut Comfortable". Spacing and PPE appropriate for an outdoor event is encouraged. RSVP to elke@easterncontrols.com for planning purposes and please come prepared to share your favorite memories and moments of Elke.  In Lieu of Flowers, contributions in Elke's memory can be made to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org .