Margaret Joan Porter

This is a thank you note to my family and friends for providing me with relationships and experiences that have made my life interesting, challenging, exciting, fulfilling, and fun. Being born in Butte by the choice of my parents Josephine Sullivan and Harold Porter, attending St. Mary’s Grade School and Girls Central High School, interacting with others in a diverse ethnic environment provided a set core of values that were integral for the rest of my life. Growing up in a single parent family presented unique dynamics, although it was not a unique experience in Butte. As I reflect on those times, I am in awe of my mother working for low pay and raising three children. Her courage, tenacity, humor, and deep faith leave me with deep gratitude to her. Being the oldest of three children was a mixed blessing. It was meant to be and one learns the importance of family: brother Gene Porter and sister Dianna Porter. I am grateful for the experiences I have had in my education, my various places of work in the field of psychiatric social work, and my travels with my sister, Dianna Porter. The period of time I spent as a nun with the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth was truly a gift and enriched my journey in life. Everyone I met in these experiences has taught me about myself and the toughness and compassion one must find within themselves on our journey. My relationship with Jim Harrington expanded my boundaries of activities following sports, riding four wheelers, snow machines, and motorcycles. Relationships are meant to help each other become more of who we are. Harr, as most of you knew him as, made a tremendous contribution to my life, not to mention how he motorized my journey. I never liked labels, so I was never “Aunt Joan.” However, my relationships with my nieces Valerie Ewals and Tina Powers, as well as my nephew John Porter, provided delight in watching them grow into interesting, delightful, and entertaining individuals. For this I thank them. There are so many people who have helped me, shoved, yelled, teased, laughed, loved, encouraged, and challenged me to be a better person. You know who you are. Thank You! Joan was preceded in death by parents Josephine (Sullivan) and Harold Porter, husband Jim Harrington, and brother Gene Porter. She is survived by sister Dianna Porter and sister-in-law Danette Harrington; Nieces Valerie (Tom) Ewals and Tina (Mark) Powers; Nephews John Porter, Jeff (Velvet) Hartwick and Jason Hartwick; Great Nieces and Nephews: Brooke Ewals, Beau Powers, Paige Powers, Hunter Hartwick and Payton Hartwick; Great-great niece Parker Powers; and by special friend, Kathy Fasso. Also, by first cousins: Donna Church, Bob Porter and Pat Porter and many other cousins in the U.S., Ireland, UK, and Australia. Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be conducted Saturday morning at 11 o’clock in Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home. Please join us in celebrating Joan by wearing your favorite hat.

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Margaret Joan Porter

February 12, 1935 - November 4, 2022