House unanimously adopts Matzie condolence resolution honoring late Pa. House Representative Susan Laughlin

HARRISBURG, Oct. 20 – The House today unanimously adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s condolence resolution honoring the late state Rep. Susan Laughlin, who died in June at age 88. 

Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said he introduced the resolution to pay tribute to a unique lawmaker who served the 16th Legislative District tirelessly during eight terms in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, from 1989 through 2004. 

“Sue was old-school,” Matzie said. “From day one, she was 100% committed to the people she served. Long before she even ran for office, she was working side-by-side with her husband, Charlie, who represented the district before her. Sue would take Charlie’s calls and handle requests for folks. He saw that unshakable dedication and, before he died, he urged her to run for his seat. 

“After Sue was elected in 1988, she served every day with that same tireless work ethic. She took pride in the fact that people would walk into her office at any time without an appointment, and she would be there to help them.

“She was a good friend and guide to me, as well. When I asked her to chair my first campaign, she actually thanked me for asking her. That was Sue – she lived to help others.” 

Matzie said that in addition to her focus on constituent services in the district, Laughlin worked hard in Harrisburg and was skilled at negotiating with colleagues on both sides of the aisle.

Laughlin was born in Sewickley in 1932 and graduated from Ambridge High School in 1950. Following her election in 1988, she was reelected to seven more consecutive terms in the House, representing Beaver County from 1989 to 1992 and Allegheny and Beaver Counties from 1993 to 2004. She also served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 2004.