Terri Lynn Ahlvin

1954 - 2025

Terri Lynn Ahlvin, née MacLaughlin, 70, of O'Fallon, Ill., born November 26, 1954, in Atlanta, Ga., passed away on the evening of Friday, November 21, 2025 in her home surrounded by loved ones.

Terri was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who had a warm, motherly influence on those she loved. She grew up in Atlanta, before moving briefly to Phoenix, Az., followed by Huntsville, Al. Her family then moved to Sikeston, Mo. her senior year of high school. It was in the small town of Sikeston that the MacLaughlin and Ahlvin families became lifelong friends through church, and Paul and Terri were introduced by their mothers. They were married at Hunter Memorial Presbyterian Church in Sikeston, Mo. on May 29, 1976.

Terri earned her BS degree in Elementary Education from Southeast Missouri University in 1976. Though she never formally stepped into a classroom, she touched the lives of countless children through her generous heart and nurturing spirit. She had an innate gift with young children, who were drawn to her gentle guidance and her loving but firm boundaries. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she played an integral role in their daily lives.

Terri worked at the SEMO Computer Center for First Tennessee Bank in Sikeston for several years before moving the family to Southern Illinois to be closer to her parents and family. She was the Assistant Manager at Kirlin's Hallmark in St. Clair Square for over ten years, where she handled customers with care, patience, and a bright smile. Following her retail years, she transitioned to an aide position in O'Fallon District 90, before serving as the secretary to the principal at O'Fallon Township High School for over 20 years. Her colleagues at OTHS note that she was the heart, soul, and glue of the high school, creating a welcoming atmosphere upon entering the main office.

Terri was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church, serving on the Altar Guild. She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Sarah MacLaughlin, her parents in-law, Robert and Sara Ahlvin, and infant granddaughter, Julia Flor. Surviving are her husband of 49 years, Paul; children Joseph (Elena) Ahlvin, Kristin (Patrick) Flor, and Matthew (Rebecca) Ahlvin; grandchildren, Elijah Flor, Adyn Ahlvin, Joshua Flor, Isabelle Ahlvin, Cole Ahlvin, Lidia Flor, Serena Ahlvin, Fiona Flor, and Lucas Ahlvin; brother Kert (Robin) MacLaughlin; sisters, Susan MacLaughlin, Donna MacLaughlin, and Sheri (Mike) Engel; sister in-law, Elizabeth (Mark) Shell; brothers in-law, Mark (Cathy) Ahlvin and David (Katie) Ahlvin; nieces and nephews, Mark (Tammy) Ahlvin II, Kyle Shell, Peter (Kelsey Alderks) MacLaughlin III, Zachary (Victoria) Engel, Nathan MacLaughlin, Sara Shell, Anna (Matthew) Embry, Taylor Engel, Noah (Kendra) Engel, and Caleb (Morgan) Engel, and several cherished great nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the Barnes Jewish Hospital Staff and Heartland Hospice for the care and compassion shown, as well as their church and school families for their tremendous support.

In lieu of flowers and in celebration of Terri's life, memorials may be made to the Faith Lutheran Love Fund, O'Fallon Food Pantry, and the PYC BabyTALK Cares Fund.

Visitation: Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington Street, O'Fallon, Ill. and again from 9 to 10 a.m., Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at Faith Lutheran Church, 520 E. Highway 50, O'Fallon, Ill.

Funeral: Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, November 26, at Faith Lutheran Church with Rev. Candice Wassell officiating. Burial will follow at Lake View Memorial Gardens in Fairview Heights, Ill.