Terri Lalor McIrvine

Terri Lalor McIrvine of Raleigh, North Carolina passed away peacefully at home on June 7, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. Terri's husband, Stuart and daughters Nicola and Rachel were by her side.

Terri was born on April 27, 1965, to Bill and Elizabeth (nee Broucek) Lalor in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was the third of four children with the oldest brother Tom, older sister Karen and younger brother Billy. After spending a few years in Auburn, Alabama, Terri moved with her family to Nigeria in 1971 where the family would spend three years before moving to Raleigh, North Carolina in 1974.

After graduating from Millbrook High School in 1983, Terri studied at Campbell University then Meredith College with a focus on Interior Design. Her natural ability with fabrics, colors, period designs and materials made Terri a favorite amongst many friends when designing the interiors of their homes.

In November 1993, Terri met Stuart McIrvine and after just four months, the couple were married on March 26, 1994. From their first date Terri and Stuart knew they would marry; "When you know you know". After their wedding, Terri moved to the UK with Stuart and their first child, Nicola Elizabeth McIrvine, was born on January 7, 1996 in Winchester, England. In January 1998 it was time to move back to Raleigh and Raleigh became home. Terri and Stuart's second child, Rachel Joyce McIrvine was born on May 31, 2000.

Terri stopped working to become a full-time Mom and volunteer. She encouraged Nicola and Rachel into many activities outside of school and would volunteer at all of them. She helped with soccer, became a troop leader in Girl Scouts, helped the girls with wigs and makeup at Irish dance to name a few activities. She loved volunteering at North Raleigh Presbyterian Church and encouraged Stuart, Nicola and Rachel to join in. But another talent started to show through when Nicola and Rachel started in the school Symphonic/Marching band. In addition to day-to-day assistance with band duties, Terri organized band trips to San Francisco, Chicago and New York. Her attention to detail ensured every trip was an enormous success.

Terri enjoyed every minute of volunteering because, outside of her family, Terri's passion was helping others. She would always seek out and welcome someone new to a group. She would smile first when meeting a stranger. She would quickly identify the outsider and do everything in her power to integrate them into the group. On many occasions, Terri would secretly give generously to those that could not afford to participate.

Terri will be remembered for so many deeply endearing qualities beyond her desire to help others. She was the most loving wife, mother and friend. She was hilariously funny and could energize any room she walked into.

Terri is survived by her husband, Stuart; her daughters Nicola and husband Clay Denneny, and Rachel; her siblings Tom Lalor and his wife Kathleen, Karen Hathaway, Billy Lalor and his wife Robin. She also leaves behind her stepmother, Linda (nee Hamilton) Lalor and stepbrothers Randy Hamilton, Kevin Hamilton and his wife Joanne, and Jerry Hamilton and his wife Rhonda. Terri is preceded in death by her parents; William Francis Lalor and Elizabeth (nee Broucek) Lalor.

A celebration of life will be held for Terri on June 28 at 11am at the North Raleigh Presbyterian Church - 11905 Strickland Rd, Raleigh 27613. Terri had expressed her desire for everyone to dress in bright, cheerful colors at her celebration of life because she wants us all to be happy.