CLAIRE ALVA PORTER

BANGOR – Claire Alva Porter RN, 81, died June 18, 2006, at her home after a period of failing health. She was born Feb. 14, 1925, Valentine’s Day, in Somerville, Mass., the daughter of Elmer and Alva Belle (Tanner) Houdlette. Her mother died in childbirth, and the subsequent shifting terrain of her own childhood taught Claire early the importance of family, friends, and community. She worked seven days a week beginning at age 14 and supported herself. Her sister, Priscilla, seven years older, trained and served as a nurse in World War II in Europe. After graduating from Lexington High School in 1943, Claire, too, enrolled in a cadet-nursing program through Boston Children’s Hospital. It was during her nurse’s training that Claire met the love of her life, Edward C. Porter, whom she married June 23, 1945, on the same day that he was commissioned as a doctor in the Navy. She always said she didn’t know what Ed saw in her, but all who have known and loved Claire, know the answer; her loving spirit and zest for life. Between 1946-1959, Claire and Ed had seven children. From the beginning, Claire created a loving and supportive home environment, filled with opportunities, encouragement, and laughter. The Porters were very family-centered and loved doing things together, especially outdoor activities, camping, canoeing, hiking, skiing, fishing and – with the boys – hunting. Claire always believed that spending time with her children creating memories of a happy home was more important than a neat and orderly house. With the younger children, Claire and Ed went camping each summer to different parts of the United States, eventually visiting nearly all 50 states, including Alaska. Claire also taught her children the importance of concern for others and of community service. She volunteered at the Cerebral Palsy School and was a regular on the cerebral palsy telethon. She was also active in the Parent Teacher Association, was a den mother in Cub Scouts, and volunteered at her children’s schools for whatever needed doing. What Claire became known for, however, were her performances in the hospital follies and community theater, where she had the opportunity to let her hair down and “show her stuff,” while her quiet, reserved husband laughed in the audience at her antics. Later in life, when her leg kicks weren’t quite so high, Claire was an active member of the Sweet Adelines. Like her husband, Claire served on both the Bangor School Board and the Bangor City Council, for one term each – and she and Ed didn’t always agree with one another. One often told family story is of the time that Claire showed up at city hall with her children and their sleds to protest the city-ordered end to the sliding on a particular street – which her husband, as a member of the safety committee, supported. At home, Claire modeled her belief in the importance of an open heart and an open mind. In the Porter household, there was always room at the table for one or two more, and there were open invitations to birthday parties so no one felt excluded. If her children were making boxes for Valentine’s Day, Claire made 2-3 extra and sent them along, so no child would be left out. Claire stressed to her children that they should learn from everyone and judge no one. When Ed died suddenly in 1977, Claire was forced to sell their large home and move to a smaller place on adjacent property, which her children helped build and finish. Claire went to work at what was then Doug’s Shop n’ Save, while her two youngest finished school. She eventually worked in the deli there, where she felt it was her job to make every customer smile. At 59, after her youngest son had graduated from college, Claire fulfilled a long-time dream of her own and enrolled in nursing school through Eastern Maine Vocational Technical Institute, where she was selected by classmates as class speaker. After graduating as a registered nurse, Claire worked at Eastern Maine Medical Center until she was 72, where she is remembered for her laughter, her ability to cheer up any patient, and her personal, caring touch. When Claire retired at 72 from work, she satisfied another passion of hers and traveled every year, visiting Hawaii several times, as well as, the Virgin Islands, Yucatan, Belize, Australia, New Zealand, and Tahiti, together with annual trips inside the United States. She learned to snorkel at 72 and wondered why she had never done it before! At home, she loved spending time at her kids’ summer places on Green Lake and on the ocean – soaking up the sun and boating – and she dearly loved her dogs, Koki, Tana, and Ribbon. Most of all, she loved the chaos and laughter of family festivities, and time spent with her sister and dear friends. Even those in Bangor who don’t know Claire personally know her as the “sign lady.” Her special way of sharing love and concern was to post seasonal signs in her driveway – visible from the road – that sent holiday greetings, cheered on the arrival of spring, and remembered our troops. Claire’s family and friends hold her in their hearts and will never forget her laughter, her love, and her great, generous spirit. She is remembered and dearly missed by her children and their families, Edward and Marlene Porter of Providence, R.I., Lynne Porter and Greg Barnett of San Pedro, Calif., Barry and Diana Porter of Bangor, Sandra and Barry Bean of Cornville, Jacki and David Robbins of Monroe, Bradley and Anne Porter of Bangor, and Randy Porter and Danielle Vittone of Pittsfield, Mass.; her sister and best friend, Priscilla Smith of Monticello, Ark.; her grandchildren, who loved their “Mimi,” Adam, Alex, Audrey, Carmen, Coby, Corey, Danielle, Hallie, Heidi, Kyle, Levi, Lynnie “Majic,” McKenna, Nicole, Tim and Wyatt; her great-grand-daughter, Erin; several nieces, nephews and countless friends. The family thanks her daily caregivers, Suzy Ritchie and Gloria Dunroe, for their loving attention, as well as the staff at Eastern Maine Medical Center and Ross Manor for taking such good care of their wonderful mother. Friends may call 5-8 p.m. Thursday, June 22, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor, where a service of remembrance will be held 11 a.m. Friday, June 23, with the Rev. Clayton Blackstone, pastor of the Bangor Advent Christian Church, officiating. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the Brookings-Smith, Family Center, 163 Center St., Bangor, immediately after the service. Those who wish to remember Claire and her husband, Ed, in a special way may make gifts to Eastern Maine Community Colleges Foundation, 354 Hogan Rd., Bangor, ME 04401, to provide scholarship assistance for a student who has had to overcome obstacles. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com