Terri D. Twedell Shalhoup

Terri Danni Twedell Shalhoup, 58, passed comfortably and peacefully late Friday night, Feb. 28, 2014, at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, of complications from a massive stroke she suffered on Feb. 10.

Terri will be remembered as a free spirit with an amazing inner gift for expression through her art, to which she was introduced as a child by her late grandmother, Ruby Twedell. Self-taught, Terri created her art through a wide variety of media, and safe to say her favorite genre was abstract – the more abstract the better.

Terri will also be remembered for her deep spirituality, which she channeled into art creations she called “spirit drawings” inspired by “Mother Earth and Spirit.” Her spiritual insight allowed her to connect with not only her fellow humans, but all creatures great and small.

Terri was born Oct. 28, 1955, in Modesto, Calif., a daughter of Dolores “Dolly” (Thornton) Twedell of Orofino, Idaho, and the late Nyle Reed. She was also the daughter of the late Rodney D. Twedell, who predeceased her in October 2009.

Terri was also predeceased by her sister, Janette D. Twedell Robinson, who passed March 12, 2013, after a valiant battle with brain cancer, and by her nephew, Robert Elliot, of California.

Terri was the wife of Dean M. Shalhoup of Nashua, with whom she would have celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary on May 25.

Terri was raised in Fresno and Torrance, Calif., moving to Hudson with her family when she was in high school. She attended Alvirne High School, earned her diploma at a local alternative school then enrolled in English and special education courses at SUNY-New Paltz, from which she graduated with a masters in special education.

She was a special education administrator in the Nashua School District for a number of years, and was involved in expanding the district’s Headstart program with summer courses. She was also a special education consultant for a time, until her medical conditions, which included Arnold Chiari Malformation, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and multiple sclerosis, forced her to leave the workforce in the mid-1990s.

Terri was a member of the Hollis Arts Society and formerly served on the board of the N.H. State Rehabilitation Committee.

She shared her art abilities by presiding over art classes with staff and clients at Nashua’s PLUS Company, forming many permanent friendships along the way.

In addition to her husband and mother, Terri is survived by her sons, Errol Doerr and his fiance Jen O’Connell, of New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Michael S. Doerr, of Nashua, and Jacob Doerr, of Hudson; her sister, Kathy Killens and her husband Eddie Killins, of Orofino; her brother, Marvin Twedell and his wife Linda, of Orofino; her former husband and father of her children, Michael E. Doerr of Bloomingburg, N.Y.; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and her constant canine companion, “Angie.”

Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock St., Nashua, on Wednesday, March 5, from 3-6 p.m., with a prayer service taking place at 5 p.m. All are invited to attend. Cremation will follow at the convenience of the family.

Donations may be made in Terri’s name to Harbor Homes Inc., 45 High St., Nashua, NH, or to the PLUS Company, 19 Chestnut St., Nashua, NH.

Arrangements are in the care of the Farwell Funeral Service, 882-0591, www.
farwellfuneral.com.