Teresa Anne McLendon

Terre, age 72, passed away on February 25, 2026 in North Little Rock, AR. Born on August 20, 1953 to Thomas and Irene Gaines in Minneapolis, MN, she grew up in Whitefish Bay, WI.

In 1971 the family moved to Louisville, KY, and Terre began her university studies in music and economics. On July 20, 1974 she married Douglas McLendon in Louisville, KY, and ultimately settled in North Little Rock, AR, where they raised two sons, Stuart and Andrew. She devoted herself to her family, community, and the Catholic Church. Her work as an economic developer at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock let her help build communities throughout AR and the world. In 1987 she traveled to the Soviet Union as part of a Peace Links delegation to help foster economic relations and help end the Cold War. She was also deeply committed to helping the victims of Hurricane Katrina and helped displaced families take shelter in Little Rock. Terre believed in bettering the world through open dialog and aligning people through love of God and family. She was known for her sharp intellect and wit, generosity, and strong opinions.

Throughout her life she opened her home to her children’s friends and to strangers, and took great joy in hosting and celebrating her immediate and extended family. Terre had a great passion for cooking, music, and sewing. During working years her sons were her pride and joy, and in retirement her grandchildren stole that role. She is survived by her husband, Douglas; her sons, Andrew (Miranda) and Stuart (Amanda); her grandchildren Luciana, Matteo, and Lorenzo; her siblings Thomas Gaines, Kathryn Maas, and Susan Moore; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

A visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Home in North Little Rock on March 4 at 6pm with rosary at 7:30 pm. Further visitation will be on March 5 at 10 am before the funeral at 11 am, to be held at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Little Rock. The family would like to thank the hospice providers that cared for her so compassionately in her final days. Her memory will live on in the countless lives she touched and she will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to the Cathedral of St. Andrew, or North Little Rock Catholic Academy.

Services entrusted to Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home (1921 Main St, NLR, AR 72114).