Laraine Hadley's Obituary
Laraine Hadley, 82, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2026. She was born on May 1, 1943, in Hyannis, Massachusetts, and raised on the coast of Maine in the small town of Friendship by her loving parents, Lewis and Irma Benner. She was pre‑deceased by her parents and by her sister, Sheila Benner.
Laraine is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, James Francis Hadley; her daughters Eliza Lowther and Sarah Hadley Fumero (George); her grandchildren Jackson Ortega, Harrison Ortega, and Madison Ortega; and several great‑grandchildren.
Laraine’s personality was a beautiful combination of the best qualities of both her parents. She was known for her bright smile, her gentle and loving nature, and her joyful sense of humor. She loved to laugh, tease, and bring warmth to those around her. Beneath her kindness was a strong resilient spirit—she always chose to see the good in life and approached each day with optimism.
A true morning person, Laraine never owned a bathrobe; she was always eager to rise and begin her day. She loved being with people but also needed and cherished the peace of home, where she enjoyed cooking wholesome meals, sewing, and tending her vegetable garden. A lifetime regular at the local library, she found joy in reading and in the simple rhythms of daily life.
From childhood, Laraine was a devoted Boston Red Sox fan, listening to games on the radio with her dad and later delighting to playfully tease her Yankee‑fan friends. Children and teenagers adored her because she retained a youthful spirit all her life. On school field trips, she was always the “cool mom.” When students were told to choose a chaperone, they always chose her!
Laraine’s spiritual quest began in her teens. One day one of Jehovah’s Witnesses knocked on her door and captured her interest. Laraine and eventually James accepted a Bible study, made steady progress, and were baptized together. Her faith in Jehovah’s promises—especially the hope of everlasting life on a paradise earth—became the foundation of her life. She shared that hope freely with others, having a full share in the ministry and remaining regular at congregation meetings as long as her health allowed.
During her long ministry as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Laraine conducted many Bible studies. She often said that helping others learn the Bible helped deepen her own faith. As she and James grew closer together spiritually, she eagerly read every publication she could find on marriage, determined to be a loving, supportive wife—and she was. Their marriage was a source of mutual love, strength, and devotion to each other for more than five decades.
Laraine was always genuinely interested in people and was quick to encourage. Once she learned someone’s interests, she delighted in introducing them to others in the congregation who shared those interests. She was a wonderful confidant and always provided wise, thoughtful, and practical advice.
Laraine was industrious, enthusiastic, and full of life. She was also famously competitive when playing games, delighting to bend the rules—always openly and always for fun. Her warmth and lively humor left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.
Laraine will be remembered for her kindness, her deep faith, and the joy she brought to others. Over the years, she attended the Moretown and Montpelier congregations in Vermont; the Lakeside and Keith Bridge congregations in Cumming, Georgia; and the Hammock Dunes congregation in Palm Coast, Florida.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1970 Old Kings Road North, Palm Coast, Florida, 32137, Building A.
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