A heart of gold left our presence on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, with the passing of Lorraine Claire Beairsto, at the age of 82 years.

Born in New Hampshire to Leo Peter Beaulieu and Claire Lee Carson, Lorraine and her beloved brother Jack spent most of their foundational years in Newmarket, N.H. After marriage and children, she went to work for the Epping, N.H. school district, until persistent misconduct by her children led her to focus on mediating disciplinary actions rather than continuing her work. She transitioned to a position with the U.S. Postal Service in Epping, N.H., then later in Bridgton. A place of limited access for delinquent children, she found peace and contentment working with her community.

With her children raised and finally out of her home, Lorraine traveled across the United States, exploring national parks, forests, deserts, monuments and mountains while befriending the wildlife she so adored. Settling in California, Lorraine worked for an independent publishing firm. Finding the opportunity to give back through children’s literature was the most fulfilling of her career.  

She loved gardening, watch wildlife, traveling, cooking, crocheting, hiking and reading.

From the time she was a child, her true love was basketball. She could recite NBA player statistics with an accuracy and analytic intelligence unmatched by most sports commentators. She played basketball in her youth and encouraged her children to follow her passion — a tremendously failed effort since none of them managed to be blessed with the requisite skills.

Perhaps best known for her sense of humor, usually tinged with unclean overtones, she could diffuse even the most difficult of situations through her ability to be comical.

Lorraine, our mother, was smart and funny, fierce and feisty, loving, determined and sometimes cantankerous. All these things gave her the requisite traits to singularly raise four children, sacrificing tremendously without complaint, always generously and tirelessly being devoted to her family. In her final days, she stressed that her children were her purpose, her happiness and her absolute being.

Her legacy survives through her four children: Lisa Blanchard of Hinsdale, N.H., Leonard Lavoie of Sweden, Laura O’Connor of Bozeman, Mont. and Linda Fox of Naples, as well as her five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Her warmth, laughter, and dedication will leave a lasting impact and be sorely missed.

As per Lorraine’s wishes, an outdoor service will be scheduled in the summer.

Please celebrate a life well lived as Lorraine would — get outside, dig in the dirt, plant something, laugh, and love your family.

Arrangements are in the care of Pelczar Funeral Home in Newmarket, N.H. where condolences and tributes may be shared at www.kentandpelczarfh.com.