Terressa Ann “Terry” Roberge, 71, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2026, surrounded by her family, following a courageous battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Terry had a tremendous love for life and made the most of every opportunity to spend time with family and friends, and explore the world.

Born on April 17, 1955, Terry was the daughter of Laval Tremblay and Constance Phaneuf Tremblay. At just 13 years old, she lost her father in an Air Force plane crash. During this difficult time, she became a source of strength for her family, especially her siblings, showing a devotion to family and loved ones that would remain with her throughout her life.

Following her father's passing, the family returned to New Hampshire, where Terry met Gary Roberge in August 1968, when they were both just 13 years old. What began as a teenage romance grew into a love story spanning nearly six decades. Terry went on to attend Mount Saint Mary's High School in Nashua, New Hampshire, and Adelphi University in New York, where she formed lifelong friendships. Terry and Gary married on July 22, 1977, and welcomed their sons, Chad in 1983 and Evan in 1987. Together, they built their family home in Deerfield, New Hampshire, where they raised their boys and spent the next three decades. Terry was a devoted mother who took an active role in her children's lives and the local school community, helping organize events and playing a key role in starting Tricky Tray, which became a beloved tradition at Deerfield Community School.

In August 1986, Terry and Gary founded Avitar Associates, Inc., building it into a respected municipal services company that continues today under the leadership of their sons, Chad and Evan, who serve as co-CEOs. Terry loved tennis, pickleball, golf, gardening, cooking, and entertaining. She had a gift for bringing people together and loved filling her home with family, friends, good food, and laughter. She made everyone feel welcome.

Terry and Gary retired in 2011 and moved to Palm Coast, Florida, the following year. They quickly settled into life in Florida, staying active and forming many lasting friendships. Travel was one of Terry's greatest joys. She and Gary explored the world, often alongside friends and family. Among their favorite memories was a 12-day African safari in July 2025. Despite the early symptoms of ALS, they spent three weeks traveling through Switzerland in September 2025, their final international trip together.

In February 2026, Terry and Gary returned to New Hampshire to be closer to family, settling in Strafford. As her illness progressed, Terry faced its challenges with determination and grace. Terry ultimately made the deeply personal decision to exercise her right to medical aid in dying under Vermont's law. Surrounded by her family, she spent her final moments on her own terms, with dignity and peace.

To know Terry was to know joy. She had a personality that could light up any room, a laugh that was impossible to forget, and a voice that could be heard from just about anywhere. She was outgoing, funny, thoughtful, and never afraid to be herself. She loved a good time and a little friendly competition.

Terry is survived by her devoted husband, Gary Roberge, who cared for her with unwavering love and dedication throughout her illness; her sons, Chad Roberge and his wife, Suzanne, of Rochester, New Hampshire, and Evan Roberge and his wife, Amy, of Deerfield, New Hampshire; and her beloved grandchildren, Caleb and Evangeline Roberge.

She is also survived by her siblings, George Tremblay and his wife, Pam, of Loveland, Colorado; Anthony Tremblay and his wife, Susan, of Palm Coast, Florida; and Laurie Holden and her husband, Chauncey, of Palm Coast, Florida; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Terry was predeceased by her parents, Laval and Constance Tremblay, and her brother, Laval Tremblay Jr.

When Gary reflected on their life together, he summed it up in five simple words: “It was an amazing life.” And it truly was. 

Terry will be deeply loved, forever remembered, and profoundly missed.

Celebrations of Life will be held in New Hampshire and Florida, with details to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in Terry's honor to University of Vermont Health, supporting ALS care.