Therese Scanavino

Virginia Beach Mrs. Therese Juliette "Terry" Scanavino (Lemire), 86, passed away on August 8, 2025, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Born on February 13, 1939, in Manchester, New Hampshire, she lived a life marked by resilience, deep faith, and unwavering devotion to her family.

Terry was the daughter of Dora (Bergeron) Lemire and Lionel Lemire. Raised in a large and loving family, she was one of ten siblings. She is remembered fondly by her surviving siblings Joanne Horton and her husband Kerry Horton, and Bernard "Bernie" Lemire. She was predeceased by her siblings Evelyn Moquin, Armand Lemire, Joseph Lemire, Claire Fifty, Mary Claflin, Lionel Lemire Jr., and David Lemire.

From a young age, Terry embodied strength and independence. In her early years, she worked in the mills of Manchester and even pursued modeling in New York. She married young and began building the family that would become the center of her world. After the untimely passing of her first husband, Armand Arthur Tancrede, Terry single-handedly raised their four children during a time when single motherhood was far from common. Her strength and determination became a guiding light for those around her.

She later married Henry Vaudreuil and then Joseph Scanavino, both of whom also preceded her in death. Throughout these chapters of her life, Terry remained steadfast in her faith and commitment to those she loved.

Terry's legacy lives on through her beloved children and those that had the privilege of calling her Mom: Michele Jurado and her husband Francisco Jurado; Armand Arthur Tancrede II; Linda Tancrede-Geherin; Karen Oluwabusola and her wife Kitty Pierfelice; and Sofia Biagotti and her husband David Paul Daffron. She was a proud grandmother to Holly Tancrede Madeiros; Alishea Jurado; Melissa Jurado; Francisco "Frankie" Jurado; Skye Geherin; Coby Oluwabusola; Kera Denby; and Jacob Pierfelice-Oluwabusola. Her blessings expanded with the arrival of great-grandchildren Cayden, Savannah, Harper, Miles, Cole, James, Daisy, Colten Jr. (CJ), Mikaela, and Malikai. Terry also was blessed with many nieces and nephew that she adored. Terry also carried in her heart the memory of her beloved grandson Armand "Champ" Arthur Tancrede III.

Beyond her immediate family, Terry opened her heart and home to many others as a foster mother to teenage girls who became part of her extended family. Her nurturing spirit left an indelible mark on all who came into her life.

A lifelong Catholic with deep devotion to God, Terry was a faithful member of Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Virginia Beach. Her faith was not only a personal compass but also a source of strength that she passed on to those around her.

Terry embraced life with joy and passion. She loved Sunday Spade tournaments with family, lively Bingo nights with friends, dancing whenever music played with a gin and tonic in hand, and love that filled every room she entered. Her favorite saying-"If you settle for less-you get less"-was more than just words; it was a philosophy she lived by and instilled in those she loved.

Her friendships were enduring treasures. Lifelong friends Leona Brown and Jennie Gibson were among those who shared countless memories with Terry over the years. She also held deep gratitude for the Tancrede family who supported her through life's most difficult moments and remained a positive presence throughout.

Terry's final resting place is alongside Joseph at Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Virginia Beach-a fitting tribute to a woman whose faith guided every step of her journey.

Her strength, warmth, laughter, and love will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who had the privilege to know her. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and cherished her. Therese Scanavino , VA -