Irene Porter

It is with sadness that our family announces the passing of Irene (McLaughlin) Porter of Kennebec Manor after a lengthy illness on Saturday January 14, 2012. Irene was a loving wife, sister and aunt to her family. She was born in St. Andrew’s-by-the-sea August 13, 1929, daughter of the late David and Lucy (Sampson) McLaughlin Greenlaw. She is survived by her loving husband John who was very attentive to her during her stay in the nursing home; her dear sister Frances (Gillies) MacAfee (Malcolm) of Lorneville; sister-in-law Violet McLaughlin if Willow Grove; much loved nieces Cindy Gillies (Len) of Bedford, NS and Irene “Nenie” Gillies of Halifax who were both raised in the family home; two nieces and one nephew very close to Irene were Robin Strug of Beverly Hills, California, Jennifer Sabol of Pittsburgh and Dr. Saul Offman (Kimberley) completing his studies in Palo Alto, California, of this Irene was very proud; other nieces and nephews include Barbara Myles (MacNichol) of Rothesay, Allison MacNichol (Janet) of Rothesay and Elaine MacNichol of St. Andrew’s; other nieces and nephews include Susan Ewing (Bob) of St. Martin’s, Karen Bedford (John) of Gardiner’s Creek, Frank McLaughlin, Norman McLaughlin (Judy) of Rowley and Linda McLaughlin of St. Martin’s. Irene was very interested in her five great nieces and nephews living in the US. Karen and her daughter Ashley Keating were a great help to Irene during her illness. Irene was predeceased by her brothers Norman and Frank McLaughlin, sister Roberta MacNichol (Tommy) of St. Andrew’s, nieces Deborah McLaughlin and most recently Norma Gillies (Allison) of St. Andrew’s as well as her parents and stepfather F. Howard Greenlaw. Irene is also survived by her husband’s family in Newfoundland, Ales (Phyllis) Porter, Margaret Manuel (Harold), Hilda Lewis (Late Gus), Marina Burry (Edward), Hubert Porter (Pansy), Marshall Porter (Doris), Ella Porter (Late Arthur) as well as many nieces and nephews in Newfoundland. Irene loved the Lord from an early age and taught Sunday school in her early years, she was also involved in the C.G.I.T at Victoria St. Baptist Church. Later she and her husband John were tellers at Main St. Baptist Church following the merger of the two churches. She also led the visitation committee of the church for quite some time. She will be remembered for her unwavering faith, tenderness and compassion. Irene worked at Commercial Union Insurance for 25 years and always enjoyed her work, even travelling to Halifax to help with the work in the office there. Irene and John owned and operated the Big Scoop on Bayside Drive in East Saint John and were well known for their good work. She looked after her mother Lucy Greenlaw for two years and after her passing went to work at Sears during the time Sears was in the North End. Irene was very kind especially to Frances’ girls as it was a family home that they all lived in for many years. She enjoyed their progress in school and university. Irene was very active in the Conservative Party of NB always supporting local politics and was president of the North End riding of the PC Party. She was honored at the Women’s Association in Fredericton on June 6, 2008 for her efforts. Her interest in politics goes back to the days of Richard Hatfield when she was also honoured for her work. Irene canvassed for the Heart and Cancer Societies in the north end for many years. She was fond of poetry and she was very good at remembering many she had learned in school and throughout her lifetime. “The Clock of Life” was one of her favorites. She had a great sense of humor, a kind person who loved her family and friends.
Resting at Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road (646-2424) with visitation on Tuesday January 17, 2012 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service will be held at Main Street Baptist Church on Wednesday January 18, 2012 at 1 p.m. A reception will immediately follow at the church. Interment will be held in Lorneville Cemetery in the spring.

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