Lorraine L. Spiry

"In Loving Memory ofLorraine L. McGregor SpiryJuly 3rd, 1934 – July 5th, 2025
It is with deep love and heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of Lorraine McGregor Spiry-a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, nurse, educator, and friend. Lorraine departed this world peacefully at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, integrity, and service to others.Lorraine was born on July 3rd, 1934, at the Norton Family Home in Caroga Lake, NY, under the care of beloved family doctor Dr. Winnie, to Ruth Norton McGregor and Ernest McGregor. A proud lifelong resident of the Town of Johnstown, she carried its small-town spirit and close-knit values with her wherever life took her.A graduate of Amsterdam City Hospital's nursing program (RN), Lorraine went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in School Nurse Teaching from SUNY Oneonta. Her dedication to health care and education defined the next chapter of her life. Over the span of two meaningful decades, she taught practical nursing at the Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery BOCES, shaping countless lives with her steady wisdom, deep compassion, and nurturing spirit. She served as president of the teaching association for two years and was especially proud to participate in the prestigious Harvard Nurses' Health Study, contributing to research that continues to impact health care around the world.As educators, Lorraine and her husband Jerry spent their summers traveling-an opportunity they deeply cherished. Lorraine was an avid traveler who explored much of the United States and treasured adventures abroad, particularly in Scotland and Australia, where she embraced the history and beauty of her heritage.Lorraine lived and worked in several states-adapting with grace and purpose wherever she went. Known for her sharp mind and gentle heart, she was an avid reader who could finish books in record time, a crossword puzzle enthusiast, a skilled mahjong and solitaire player, and a master of knitting needles and crochet hooks.But above all, family was Lorraine's greatest joy and deepest purpose. She married the love of her life, Jerome "Jerry" Spiry, on August 25, 1956, and together they built a life grounded in love, laughter, and unwavering support. Together they embarked on the cherished journey of starting a family-a journey that began on the prairie lands of South Dakota and eventually brought them back to Lorraine's beloved mountains of the Adirondacks, where they continued their story with hearts full of love and purpose.Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her heart. She wasn't just a loving presence-she was an active and essential part of their lives. Lorraine gave driving lessons, supported swimming and dance lessons, and attended every school event. She showed up for every milestone, big or small, with unshakable love and enthusiasm. Her devotion ran deep, and her presence was a constant source of strength, pride, and joy to the generations that followed her.She lived by the Golden Rule, treating others with kindness and humility, and her faith was a cornerstone of her life, reflected in her favorite scripture, John 3:16:"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."Lorraine supported causes close to her heart, including the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society-organizations that reflected her lifelong dedication to helping and healing others.Lorraine L. McGregor Spiry is survived by her four children: Mary Lee (Daniel Conrad) of Johnstown, Dale Spiry (Michal Ann Swoffard) of Florida, Ted Spiry of Gloversville, and Sandra Spiry (Edmond Anadio) of Gloversville. She also leaves behind seven cherished grandchildren: Joshua (Veronica), Dustin (Eileen), Darin (Michelle), Katelyn, Mikayla (Derrell), Dean, and Sofia; as well as six beloved great-grandchildren: Aurora, Justin, Madilynn, Daniel, Calliope, and Elliana.She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jerome Spiry; her cherished sister, Mary Lou; and her dear parents-all of whom she now joins in eternal peace.A private graveside service for immediate family will be held on August 20th, 2025, at Prospect Hill Cemetery. Following the service, the family invites you to join them at the home of Ted Spiry from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.In lieu of flowers, Lorraine would want nothing more than for you to be kind to one another, live with purpose, and love generously.This obituary will be published online at the BRBS funeral website as a lasting tribute, where friends and family are invited to share memories, photos, and condolences in celebration of a life so beautifully lived and deeply cherished."