Pauline Dorothea Terry

Pauline Dorothea Terry (née LeBlanc) passed away peacefully on August 17, 2026, at the age of 89. Born on August 23, 1936, in Springvale, Maine, Pauline spent the majority of her life in her beloved home state. She built a successful career in Portland, raised her family in Saco, and later settled in Sarasota, Florida, where she spent her final years.

Pauline was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. She firmly believed that caring for others begins with family, a value she exemplified every day of her life. She is survived by her three children, Bruce Terry and his wife Diane Terry, John Terry, and her daughter Paula Kelly and her husband James Kelly; six grandchildren, Hunter Schweizer, Paige de Herder, Whitney Rose Terry, Jesse Barber, Amelia Barber, and Lucas Barber; and three great-grandchildren, Callie, Robert, and Jack.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 47 years, Nelson Terry; her parents, Nazaire and Rose LeBlanc; and her sister and best friend, Lorette LeBlanc Richard.

Pauline was a woman of extraordinary determination, independence, and achievement. In 1962, she set her sights on mastering the stenotype machine, a decision that launched a nearly 60-year career as a court reporter. For 45 years, she served the Maine court system, including 25 years as the Official Court Reporter for the U.S. District Court. After retiring in 2006, Pauline relocated to Florida, where she continued her work as a freelance court reporter for more than a decade.

Her professional life mirrored her approach to everything she did: Pauline never accepted limitations. She was always eager to learn, challenge herself, and embrace new experiences. This indomitable spirit was perhaps best exemplified when, at the age of 60, she decided to train for and run the New York City Marathon. Not only did she complete the race, but she also returned the following year at age 61 to do it again. While she didn’t run another marathon, she remained an avid walker throughout her life.

Pauline had a deep love for travel, playing the piano, spending time with her family, and celebrating her French Canadian heritage. She especially cherished speaking French, which allowed her to maintain a strong connection to her ancestry. Her fondness for the color pink became a signature part of her style and personality, reflecting her vibrant and joyful spirit.

Her Catholic faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she was a devoted parishioner of Saint Martha Catholic Church in Sarasota. Her faith, family, and unwavering commitment to caring for others defined her character and guided her actions.

In the final four years of her life, Pauline found great joy in the companionship of her loving partner, Steven Roberts. Together, they shared laughter, travel, and the simple pleasures of daily life, creating a cherished chapter in her life.

Pauline will be remembered for her fun-loving nature, fierce determination, and steadfast belief that age should never be a barrier to pursuing new challenges. She lived life on her own terms, embracing every opportunity with courage and enthusiasm. Above all, she will be remembered for her boundless love for her family and her unwavering belief that caring for loved ones is one of life’s greatest callings. Her legacy lives on in her family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives she touched during her remarkable 89 years.

Pauline’s life was long, full, and uniquely her own—a testament to her enduring spirit and her refusal to stop moving forward.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, September 4, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Martha’s Church, 200 North Orange Avenue (corner of Fruitville), Sarasota. Luncheon to follow at 11:30 a.m. Palm Aire Country Club, 5601 Country Club Way, Sarasota.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.LeskoFuneralHome.com