Lorraine "Raine" Carson

Lorraine “Raine” Carson, 86, longtime resident of Milford, NH, died on January 14, 2025, after a period of declining health, surrounded by her close friends. 

She was born on January 11, 1934, in Cape Town, South Africa, the only child of the late Fred and Mabs Marks. She attended the University of Cape Town .

Upon completion of high school, Raine obtained her pilot’s license and flew light aircraft for many years, being the only female pilot in Cape Town at that time. She was an accomplished pilot and won many competitions.

Raine came to New Hampshire in 1965 residing in Amherst and then Milford. In 1971 she and her beloved companion; Jan J. Tigchelaar, M.D., began making a home together in Milford. They remained together until Jan’s death on September 21, 2015. A lover of gardening, she turned their yard into a mass of flowerbeds, and kept a large vegetable garden. Their backyard was certified in 1976 as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation and that same year, Raine became a wildlife rehabilitator for wild birds and mammals. She strove to provide the best care for the wildlife, and in 1989 she founded the non-profit Highlands Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Among her favorite mammals were rabbits, and this led to her and Dr. Tigchelaar sharing their home with pet Netherlands Dwarf rabbits. 

Raine’s working life in Milford lead to her employment with the Town as the Selectmen’s secretary in 1981. As the wildlife rehabilitation center grew, she transferred to parttime work for the Town. She worked as secretary for the Conservation Commission, and in the 1990’s took on the position of Lands Researcher. She created extensive files on town roads and property, a vital tool for the Town Offices. She remained in this role till she retired. 

Raine had many interests in life which gave her great pleasure, but truly loved hiking, being outdoors, and traveling. When not studying subjects on wildlife rehabbing, Raine was an avid reader of early polar explorations and maintained an extensive library on the subject. 

SERVICES: In accordance with her wishes there are to be no services held. In the spring, she will be buried alongside her beloved companion, Dr. Tigchelaar, in the North Yard Cemetery, Milford. Memorial donations may be made in her memory to the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire - Bedford, 545 Route 101, Bedford, NH, 03110.