Nelly Cicilia McLauchlan

Nelly Cicilia McLauchlan. (08/07/52-05/10/26) A proud Paraguayan/ American went home to our Lord on Mother’s Day after a brief but valiant battle with cancer. By her side was numerous family and friends. She is survived by her husband of 46 years and the love of her life, Jack McLauchlan, her two children Jack (Breana) and Daniel (Chelsea), and three grandchildren, Kylie, Jackson, and Helena. She is also survived by her mother, and several brothers, sisters, Jack’s extended family, and many friends. Nelly was born in Paraguari, Paraguay to Eligio (Neni) Ferreira and Isabel Ibarra. Nelly began her career in education, met, and later married her husband, Jack, a Peace Corps Volunteer. Married in 1979, they welcomed their first son in 1980, then moved to the United States. When she arrived, she was unable to speak English and learned from her sisters-in-law, mother-in-law, and daytime television. Nelly later welcomed a second son in 1982. Nelly would go on to not only become a naturalized US Citizen, she learned English, and soon after received her Associates Degree from Big Bend Community College, Bachelors, and Masters Degrees in Education from Central Washington University, all within 3 years. Nelly began her education career in the Warden School District and later went on to the Moses Lake School District and Big Bend community College. Nelly spent over 30 years educating the youth and adults in the Columbia Basin, served as a private tutor, provided translations services for Calbom & Schwab PSC, and worked with the Washington State Migrant Council. Over the years, Nelly received numerous awards and recognition for her work, including being selected to be recognized by the Latino Civic Alliance and presented the Latino Legislative award at the Washington State Capitol for the 2019 Latino Legislative Day. Nelly had a strong passion for education and public service. Nelly also loved travel, fashion, wine, philanthropy, and friends, in no particular order. Nelly was always the center of attention in any room she graced. She was loved by all who knew her and was generous in every way. Prior to her diagnosis, Nelly was very active with several charities including the Columbia Basin Boys and Girls Club, Big Bend Foundation, Samaritan Hospital Construction, and the Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation. Nelly alongside her husband had donated time, money, and WINE for the causes. Last year, Nelly and Jack opened their very own boutique winery, las Piedras de Valle, for which she was very proud. She lived a full life and was extremely proud of her family. Nelly was universally loved and will be very missed. She has left an amazing legacy of philanthropy, love, and educational advocacy. Memorial services to be announced on Las Piedras de Valle and family social media. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser's Chapel of Memories.

Nelly Cicilia McLauchlan

August 7, 1952 - May 10, 2026