Mrs. Gertrude Jenny Porter passed away peacefully at Pioneer Ridge on Sunday, January the 3rd 2010. Her loving husband and family and her lifelong friend Helen Morancy were at her side. Gertie was born at the family home on August the 19th in 1923. She attended Pine Street School and Port Arthur Collegiate Institute. Gertie completed her nurse’s training at the Port Arthur General Hospital School of Nursing in 1944. Strong friendships were formed and maintained with her nursing classmates. Reunions were held over the years up to and including the 50th reunion. She was very proud to have been a nurse and regaled the family with many stories.
She married Jack Porter in January of 1947 and moved that year to Marathon. Gertie lived life to the fullest. She was active in sports and community activities in what was at that time a pioneer town. She did this while raising 4 children. The family moved back to Thunder Bay in 1965 due to the ill health of her parents and a job opportunity for Jack at the new Great Lakes Paper pulp mill.
Throughout her life Gertie enjoyed curling, swimming and travelling.
She is survived by her husband Jack, children: Janis Scott (Ron), Jack (Marilyn), Lorna Veal, Bob (Susan), 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Gertie was predeceased by her parents Jenny and John Rahkola, her brothers John and Waino, sister Laura Quanbury and son-in-law Jim Veal.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, January 8, 2010 in St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church, with Rev. Peter Smyth presiding. Interment will be held at a later date at Stanley Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either St. Michael and All Angels Church or the Alzheimer’s Society. Arrangements entrusted to the Sargent & Son Funeral Home, 21 N. Court Street. On-line condolences may be made at:
www.sargentandson.com .