Terri E. (Mullarkey) Lyons

Terri E. Lyons, 63, of Milton Mills, NH, passed away on April 12, 2024 in her home with her family providing for her comfort and care during her illness she valiantly battled and in her final days. 

Terri was born on January 6, 1961, to Donna and Robert Mullarkey in Newburyport, Massachusetts. She loved growing up in Newburyport with her grandparents Catherine “Madeline” and George Chaisson who raised her and whom she deeply loved.  She modeled her core values from their guidance. It was here as a child that she developed her love of animals, and desire to heal all living beings.

Terri can be best described as a true humanitarian. She was a beautiful soul inside and out, taken too soon from this world. Her generous and selfless nature made her a natural caregiver. Devoted to her advocacy, Terri made it her mission to improve the lives of others, both human beings and animals. Especially true to her heart was the protection of the underdog--To Terri, everyone and everything deserves a chance to have the best in life and be treated with love and kindness.  She excelled at listening, supporting, and guiding friends and her family through the peaks and valleys of life.  She was always there to provide comfort in the hard times, validate and guide as well as to celebrate the happy times.  Her sense of humor and laughter was infectious and always invoked comfort to all. 

Terri was a determined and strong woman who knew what she wanted from life and therefore led her life with purpose. She was a strong leader whose beautiful spirit motivated others to reach their potential. Terri was influential and imparted her wisdom and strength onto many in the roles that she would fulfill in her lifetime as a mother, grandmother, sister, animal lover, aunt, friend, mentor, colleague and so many others.

In her life’s quest, she fulfilled many of her dreams, most importantly, was to be a mother. Terri’s life plan was to be a mom and so she started her journey into motherhood early. She dedicated her life to being a spectacular mother to her four children, Shane, Shivohn, Daniel, and Seth.  They were her world and there was nothing she would not do for them. She often worked multiple jobs to make sure they always had what they needed and wanted. In fact, when she conceived her daughter, Shivohn, she was working to finish her clinicals right up to her delivery. Her children were her happiest achievement—she was proud of them for each of their gifts, three of them have followed in her chosen career of care giving. Additionally, her home was always full of her fur babies from various parts of the animal kingdom, Dogs, cats, rats, ferrets, rabbits, etc always had a haven in her home and heart. This is another area that her children have also followed in their mom’s footsteps. 

Her career path was forged in her formative school years.  These were spent at the Immaculate Conception School (IC) in Newburyport where she would share many memories of her time there with her family and friends. After her years at the IC she matriculated to Newburyport High School where she graduated in 1979 and then moved onto college at Northern Essex Community College where she worked hard and earned her degree in Nursing. Terri was always a dedicated and hard worker. She juggled full and part time work while working on her studies. She worked in many nursing homes caring for those in need to ensure their quality of life and appropriate care. She was not afraid to step up, speak up, and educate others in the interest of protecting those in need. Many states were able to benefit from her commitment to care and helping those in need before she moved to Milton Mills, NH in 1990, purchased her home, and made her life there with her family. In the last 24 years she ventured out from typical nursing jobs to try different roles in which she could use her skills to advocate, create opportunities and heal those in need. This brought her to her new challenges that she embraced and made positive differences in the home care as well as in the developmental service systems where she became the agency RN for Living Innovations. She was instrumental in helping form the culture and values in this new company that was founded in 1996. Terri did not stop there, her giving and caring nature found her opening her home to individuals in the service system in need of a home and support. For the last 14 plus years she became a home care provider to individuals in need of a supportive home, earning her the esteemed award this past 2023 of home provider of the year for the State of NH. Terri always stood in the face of adversities, and because of her convictions and perseverance found herself achieving the goals she set and creating opportunities for those around her. 

We will miss her greatly but our memories of her, who she was, what she did for all of us will keep her alive in our hearts and minds. Having had her in our lives is forever a blessing. Without a doubt Terri has left a legacy in this life and made a difference in all the lives she has touched.

Terri is survived by her children, Shane Fowler with girlfriend Katie Steadman of Middleton, NH, Catherine “Shivohn” Fuller with husband Nathan Fuller of East Wakefield, NH, Daniel Lyons with girlfriend Sabrina Loheide of Milton Mills, NH, Seth Lyons with wife Katelyn Lyons of Milton, NH. Her siblings Lisa Zelinski, Robyn Rogers with husband Scott Rogers of Kingston, NH, Susan Maroni of Milford, NH, Kathy Hanson with husband Ian Hanson of Haverhill, MA. Her Grandchildren Jayden Emerson of Somersworth, NH, Lucas and Charlotte Fowler of Middleton, NH, Marjorie Lyons of Milton, NH. Her Nephews Corey Zelinski of Milton Mills, NH, Bryce Rogers of Kingston, NH, Alexander Rogers of Kingston, NH, Ashanti Maroni of Milford, NH, and Liam Hanson of Haverhill, MA Her great nieces Osyth and Agatha Zelinski of Sanford, ME.

There will be a Funeral Service on May 13, 2024 at 1:00 PM at First Church Congregational 63 S Main St, Rochester, NH 03867. After the services there will be a gathering to share stories and food at the Governors Inn 78 Wakefield St, Rochester, NH. The Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950 is assisting Mrs. Lyons’ family with her arrangements,

The family requests in lieu of flowers donations be made in Terri’s honor to a local Humane Society to help continue her quest of saving the lives of animals in need.

To offer online condolences please visit www.tlcfuneralhome.com

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