Theresa Raino Obituary

Theresa Marie Russell-Raino, 60, wife of Michael James Raino, of St. Helena Island, SC, passed away on Friday, August 29, 2025, at her home after a strenuous battle with cancer. A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter's Catholic Church on Lady's Island, with inurnment to follow at St. Peter's Memorial Gardens. Born on July 21, 1965, in Newport, RI, Theresa was the daughter of the late HMCS William C. Russell and Jacqueline M. Wygant Russell. Raised in Beaufort, SC, her father's permanent duty station, she grew up surrounded by the Lowcountry that she came to love deeply. The true embodiment of a nurse, "Terry" devoted over 30 years of her life to women's health as an OB-GYN nurse. Nursing was not just her career-it was her calling. She cared deeply for her patients and their families, advocating for women through every stage of life, and she guided countless women through the joy and challenges of childbirth and menopause. Known for her dedication, sharp wit, and compassionate heart, Terry became a source of comfort, trust, and laughter to patients and coworkers alike. Her colleagues became an extension of her family, and her impact on the lives of others will carry forward for generations. In January 2024, Terry was diagnosed with high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) and resulting peritoneal carcinomatosis, a devastating and aggressive form of ovarian cancer. With courage and grace, she fought a battle marked by multiple rounds of chemotherapy, numerous surgeries, and participation in multiple clinical trials in hopes of advancing treatment for other women facing the same disease. Despite the challenges, she faced each day with resilience, humor, and unwavering strength. Her perseverance inspired everyone around her, and she carried herself with dignity even in the hardest moments. Because of her journey, Terry wanted to share an important message with others: if you have completed your childbearing years or do not plan to have children, please speak with your doctor about an opportunistic salpingectomy to reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer, the fifth deadliest cancer in U.S. women. It was her hope that her experience could help others. Terry approached life with joy and curiosity. A self-proclaimed foodie, she loved trying new things-whether it was a restaurant close to home or a local dish halfway across the world. She delighted in travel, from weekend trips to quick getaways to places like Augusta, Greenville, Disney World, Dollywood, Maine, and Tupper Lake, NY, and even quirky stops like Buc-ee's "just to see what the hype was about." Most recently, she fulfilled her dream trip: cruising through Italy and along the Amalfi Coast. Her favorite season was "spooky season," when she would fill the house with Halloween decorations, and crafting projects, while "Hocus Pocus" played on the TV in the background. She was thrilled when "Summerween" became popular, giving her an excuse to start the festivities a little early hunting for "code orange" treasures from HomeGoods, or thrifting through the Antique mall, St. Francis Center, and other local stops. At home, Terry treasured life on the water, enjoying the seabreeze on the porch and indulging in crab legs for just about any occasion, big or small. She was the life of the party, bringing humor, warmth, and joy to everyone fortunate enough to know her. Above all, Terry's heart belonged to her family. Terry shared 25 wonderful years of marriage with her husband, Mike. Their love was steady and enduring, built on laughter, partnership, and deep devotion. Mike was her constant companion through every season of life, and in her illness he stood by her side with unwavering strength, tenderness, and care. Together they built a home filled with joy, traditions, and countless memories. Her greatest joy, however, was her daughter Amelia-her "baby buzz." Terry loved being Amelia's mom more than anything else in life. She celebrated Amelia's milestones with pride and cherished the everyday moments just as much. This fall, Amelia began her first year of college, a dream Terry held close to her heart: to see her daughter step into her future with confidence, independence, and hope. Though heartbroken not to witness all that lies ahead, Terry found peace in knowing Amelia is strong, capable, and deeply loved. She couldn't wait to see the life Amelia would build, and she will forever be Amelia's biggest cheerleader. Theresa is also survived by her sisters, Kathryn Lindemann (Paul) and Jane Greene (Billy); her brother, William Russell (Angela); sisters-in-law, Kathy Gampo(Talby) and Linda Raino; her nieces, Nicie Raino, Kristin Greene, Jordan Sanders (Daniel), and Macee Pender; and her nephews, Billy Greene (Megan) and Roman Russell. She also leaves behind her beloved dogs, Genevieve Francine and Luna Mae, who brought her endless comfort and companionship. Terry was passionate about animals and often dreamed of opening "A Home for Wayward Wieners," a dachshund retirement home where senior dogs could live out their golden years surrounded by love- because of this, In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to one of the following organizations: Beaufort County Animal Services, Lovable Paws Rescue, Boykin Spaniel Rescue, Inc. , Cotton Branch Farm Sanctuary, or Palmetto Animal League Terry will be remembered for her laughter, the love she gave so freely, the strength she carried through life's challenges, and the legacy of family, faith and compassion she leaves behind-both through her work as a nurse and through the life she lived so fully.