Ann Cecelia Algreen

Ann Cecelia (McLaughlin) Algreen, 81, of St. Augustine, Florida, passed away on March 8, 2026.

Born on December 30, 1944, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, to William Joseph McLaughlin and Rose Elizabeth O’Keefe McLaughlin, Ann grew up in a close-knit Irish-Catholic family in Laurence Harbor. In 1953, she moved with her parents to Fort Pierce, Florida, later settling in West Palm Beach, where she graduated from Cardinal Newman High School. Driven by a lifelong desire to help others, she earned her nursing degree from Palm Beach Junior College and received her State Board of Health nursing license on August 18, 1965. She began her career at the West Palm Beach Health Department and became a registered nurse at Good Samaritan Hospital, where she served as charge nurse on the main wing at just 22 years old and later in various specialty units.

In 1969, Ann and her parents moved to St. Augustine, where she became a devoted member of the Cathedral Basilica Catholic Church and remained steadfast in her faith throughout her life. She worked as an RN at both Flagler Hospital and St. Augustine General, forming many lasting friendships with colleagues. She met her husband, Capt. Clayton Algreen, in St. Augustine, and they married on January 24, 1974. Together they had a son, John, born in 1975. Ann set aside her nursing career to care for her family, lovingly supporting her husband until his death in 1987, her father until his passing in 1990, and raising her son with the values of faith, integrity, and compassion.

Ann was a woman of quiet strength and simple joys. She cherished time with family and friends, walking her dogs, solving crossword puzzles, and spending peaceful hours outdoors feeding birds and squirrels. She maintained close connections with fellow nurses through monthly birthday lunches, enjoyed neighborhood walks and bookstore visits, and was an enthusiastic supporter of baseball, basketball, Notre Dame Fighting Irish football, and Navy football. Above all, she was known for her kindness and generosity, always seeing the good in others and offering help whenever needed. Even in the face of declining health, she remained resilient, continuing to care for her home and loved ones while praying the rosary daily and attending Mass.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Rose McLaughlin, her husband Clayton Algreen, and many beloved pets. Ann is survived by her devoted son, John Algreen. She will be remembered as the embodiment of strength, faithfulness, compassion, and beauty, and cherished forever by all who knew her.