Helen V. Porter
Helen V. Porter, 89, of Clearwater, Fla., formerly of Mars, died Friday at East Bay Rehabilitation Center in Clearwater.
Born March 31, 1929, in Valencia, she was the second of three children born to the late William O. and Clara Kennedy Gilleland.
Helen was a homemaker and for many years a civil servant with the Board of Elections in both Adams Township, Butler County, and upon relocation, in Clearwater.
Helen was employed by Reliance Insurance Agency in Pittsburgh and with her children a very active booster and supporter of the “Planets” sports, band and school. She was a strong advocate of civil respect, child welfare and responsibilities of the family. Helen was always an active participant and available anytime someone needed a listening ear, guidance and support.
Helen battled and survived many illnesses throughout several decades and always fought through with courage and faith.
Helen, a 1947 graduate of Mars High School, married Wendell W. Porter on April 9, 1949.
Before her move to Florida, she was an active member of the Valencia United Presbyterian Church and Hope Presbyterian Church in Clearwater.
Helen is survived by her sister, Betty J. Steiner of Clearwater, Fla.; two sons, Dennis Porter and his wife, Nancy, of Buckhannon, W.Va., and Jeffrey Porter and his wife, Wanda, of Austin, Texas; four granddaughters, Kristen Porter of Greensboro, N.C., Lara Trushel of Beaver, Pa., Heather Porter of Salisbury, Md., and Wendy Porter of Bar Harbor, Maine; three great-granddaughters, Avalyn and Amalia Trushel and Greenley Porter; and many nephews, nieces and cousins.
She was proceeded in death by her husband, Wendell; and her brother, William Gilleland.
PORTER — Friends of Helen V. Porter, of Clearwater, Fla., and formerly of Mars, who died Friday June 15, 2018, will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at McDonald-Aeberli Funeral Home, 238 Crowe Ave., Mars.Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be at West Union Cemetery in Pine Township.Memorials may be made to the Valencia Presbyterian Church, 80 Sterrett St., Valencia, PA 16059, or to the Hospice of the donor's choice.Directions and condolences are available at www.mcdonald-aeberli.com.
