Lorraine Terry

Lorraine D. Terry died peacefully, at home on January 4, 2019 after sharing precious time with her children and their spouses, her grandchildren and their spouses, and all six of her great grandchildren. 

She was born in Chatham, NJ on May 5, 1923, the daughter of Harry L. Davis and M. Elizabeth (Hewson) Davis.  She was the last surviving of the six children in her family enjoying life well past her 95th birthday. She graduated from Chatham High School in 1941 and shortly thereafter, boarded a train to a military base in Montgomery, Alabama to marry her high school sweetheart, and the love of her life, Bob.  A telegram sent home relayed the happy news to their families.  They were married for more than 70 wonderful years until Bob’s death in 2012.

After brief moves to Glen Cove, NY and Riverside, CA, Lorraine and Bob settled in Huntington, NY where they raised their two children.  Lorraine discovered a natural talent for design which she used to renovate and rehab a converted barn into a stunning home.  A national magazine asked to photograph it for their publication, but she politely declined.  When it came time for a change of lifestyle, they moved to New England where she was taken by the beauty and lure of antique homes and once again, put her personal style on them.  Sharing her love of decorating and collecting, she and Bob threw extravagant Christmas parties which were always a huge hit with their friends.

She was a joyful and vibrant person who loved many things.  Quick with her infectious smile and her ready laugh she instantly charmed everyone she met.  She had a beautiful singing voice, took voice lessons, and was a member of several choral groups including the choir at Old First Church in Huntington, NY.  Repeatedly asked to do solos, she always declined due to shyness. 

As she and Bob spent their retirement either doting on grandchildren or road tripping around New England and up and down the east coast Lorraine became very interested in photography.  She chronicled their many adventures and her artistic eye sparked some local interest.  A few of her photos were published, which thrilled her.  She loved being near the coast and spent many blissful hours watching the tides, boats and birds from their snug cottage overlooking Harmon’s Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean in Georgetown, ME.

She loved her family beyond measure and found her favorite times to be the times spent with them.  Making each holiday, birthday, and family event special was pure joy for her.  Her eyes would light up when one of her grandchildren called or when she was able to see the adventures her great grandchildren were having by watching a video.

Lorraine is survived by her son Robert S. Terry and his wife Christine of Beverly, MA, her daughter Kathy McLaughlin and her husband Frank of Peterborough, NH.  She will be sorely missed by her four grandchildren:  Stephen M. Terry and his wife Coco of Albany, CA, Christopher D. Terry and his wife Olivia of Winchester, MA, Allison M. McLaughlin and her husband Richard Servidio of Cape Elizabeth, ME and Todd J. McLaughlin of Medford, MA.  She was further blessed with six great grandchildren:  Zoe, Logan, Dylan, Bryan, Robbie and Brooke.

Private services were held for the family.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Lorraine’s memory to HCS-Home Healthcare, Hospice & Community Services, P.O. Box 496, Peterborough, NH 03458             

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