Obituary: Pauline Dorothea Terry

Pauline Dorothea Terry, 89, Leaves Legacy of Determination and Family Love

Sarasota, Fla. — Pauline Dorothea Terry, a lifelong Maine native and celebrated court reporter, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2026, in Sarasota, Florida. The 89‑year‑old was surrounded by her family and friends as she closed the final chapter of a life marked by relentless curiosity, professional excellence, and an unshakeable devotion to loved ones.

Born Pauline Dorothea LeBlanc on August 23, 1936, in the rural community of Springvale, Maine, she grew up in a French‑Canadian household that instilled in her a love of the French language and a strong sense of family. She would later honor those roots by speaking French with the same ease as she played the piano, and she became a lifelong parishioner at St. Martha’s Catholic Church in Sarasota.

Terry’s career in court reporting spanned nearly six decades. In 1962, she took the bold step of mastering a stenotype machine, launching a nearly 60‑year vocation that would see her serve the Maine judicial system for 45 years. For a quarter‑century she was the Official Court Reporter for the U.S. District Court, a role that earned her respect across the state. After retiring in 2006, she relocated to Florida, where she continued to freelance for more than a decade, bringing her meticulous skills to the courts of the Sunshine State.

Her work ethic was matched only by her adventurous spirit. At age 60, she surprised friends and colleagues by training for the New York City Marathon, crossing the finish line both in her first attempt and again the following year. Though she never ran another marathon, she remained an avid walker throughout her life, proving that age is no barrier to new challenges.

Family has always been the cornerstone of Terry’s life. She was survived by three children—Bruce, John, and Paula 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. The family, along with countless friends, will remember her as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great‑grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend.

Terry’s personal life was enriched by two long‑standing relationships. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 47 years, Nelson Terry, her parents Nazaire and Rose LeBlanc, and her sister and best friend Lorette LeBlanc Richard. In the final four years of her life, she shared companionship with Steven Roberts, who brought her laughter and the joys of travel.

Her Catholic faith guided her through every season, and she was a regular member of St. Martha’s parish. In her own words, “Caring for others begins with family.” That philosophy was reflected in her everyday interactions, whether at court, in the church, or on family vacations.

A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, September 4, at 10 a.m. at St. Martha’s Church, 200 North Orange Avenue (corner of Fruitville), Sarasota. A luncheon will follow at 11:30 a.m. in the Palm Aire Country Club, 5601 Country Club Way, Sarasota. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may visit Lesko Funeral Home’s website at http://www.LeskoFuneralHome.com.

Terry’s legacy—her fierce determination, her unwavering belief that age should never limit one’s pursuits, and her boundless love for family—continues to inspire all who knew her. Her vibrant spirit, often expressed through her favorite color pink, and her joyful presence will be deeply missed, yet her life’s work and the countless stories she left behind will endure.