On Thursday, January 8th, 2026, in a frankly unneeded plot-twist in this already outlandish season of life, our beloved Lorraine Post-Maher, aka Miss Lorraine, had the audacity to pass away unexpectedly at her long-time home and haven in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. It was reported that she had just enjoyed “the best sleep of her life,” as well as spent some quality time in the company of her best friend, her sisters, her daughter, and her grandchildren.
Lorraine’s story has been a full and vibrant tale of quests and side-quests. She has been a waitress, bartender, hat check girl, and bouncer, at the Spindrift in Newport, RI; an American Sign Language interpreter; operator and general manager of the Wayside Guest House Bed & Breakfast in Newport, RI; as well as a writer, landscaper, gardener, and freelance maker of a badass jar of salsa.
But Lorraine found her true calling as a nurturer of minds and hearts. In this regard, she never considered herself the main character of her story, but chose instead to invest in the enrichment of others through teaching and mentorship. Lorraine was a dedicated homeschool mom and a truly gifted teacher and tutor to many children and young people.
Lorraine’s ability to kindle curiosity and light the spark of learning was truly inspirational. She stood firmly by the quote from Yeats, “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” Lorraine sparked this passion in each of her students, both old veterans of her “Dreaded Red Pen” and the newly minted initiates to her no-nonsense encouragement and insistent belief in their abilities and potential.
Lorraine cared deeply for everyone. She was known for her open-door policy, welcoming all friends – those long held, and new to the plot – to sit around the table into the early hours of the morning with battery-acid coffee and endless conversation.
Lorraine was never much one for large social events, so we’re not surprised she “Irish good-bye’d” us at the end, but we are so grateful she showed up in the first place and stayed at the party this long.
Though Lorraine has moved on to her next chapter, she leaves behind her daughters, Shanna Post-Maher, and Miranda (Chris) Allison; her grandchildren Kobi, Hannah, Eve, Ayden, Lincoln, Ozzy, and Beowulf; her siblings Edward D. Post, Donald E. Post, Steven Post, Roberta M. Saldana, Beverly Post, and John R. Post, and their respective spouses; her brother-by-choice Gordon (Renee) Tingstad; her ride-or-die bestie Kate Gifford and the daughters they effectually co-parented, Sarah Gifford Brown and Amanda Allison. She also leaves behind a great number of students, strays, and proteges to continue her legacy in the pursuit of wisdom, creativity, and the uplifting of others. Preceded to Heaven by her parents, Ellsworth E. Post and Dorothy A. Post, and her brother William Post.
Memorial visitation will be Sunday, from 10A.M.-12P.M., at Potter Funeral Home, 81 Reed Road, Westport, MA. Memorial service starts at 12 P.M. All are welcome to join in sharing, regaling, and listening to tales of Lorraine.
Private luncheon to follow.
For those planning to attend: Lorraine wasn’t much into formalities or mourning. To honor her, attendees are welcomed and encouraged to wear her favorite colors – aqua or teal.
In lieu of cut flowers the family requests contributions for Lorraine’s Memorial Garden at the GoFundMe for this purpose:
https://gofund.me/8b29ff550