Marjorie (Marge) Jane Porter

Marjorie (Marge) Jane Porter, born Marjorie Jane Wagner, died peacefully on December 11, 2009. Ms. Porter was born on September 4, 1922 in Culbertson, Nebraska. She graduated from high school in 1938 at the age of 15, and continued on to graduate from McCook Junior College in 1940 with a degree in teaching. She taught school in Nebraska for five years. Her excellent secretarial skills won her the title of fastest typist in Nebraska while she lived there. In 1946 she married William (Bill) Porter and, after living in various places including Germany and Japan, they moved to Mercer Island in 1961 and raised their two sons, Dan and Mark Porter. Ms. Porter taught preschool for many years, gaining knowledge and experience that she passed on to her family, including her legendary Play-Dough recipe. She was a spiritual person and involved herself in the Mercer Island Presbyterian Church in several capacities. Following a divorce in 1971, Marge became the secretary for the Mercer Island School District, continuing her involvement in early childhood education. After retiring from the school district, her independence and responsible nature generated so many requests for house-sitting that she went into business full-time for many of the families on Mercer Island and the surrounding areas. Ms. Porter was active in the Volksmarch walking club, and she could be seen walking around Mercer Island daily, parking blocks away from her destination in order to enjoy the journey. Many long-time Mercer Island residents may remember spotting her always fashionably-dressed petite figure and bright red hair in various locations throughout the city center. She also enjoyed biking and attending the opera and plays, and had a passion for sports, politics, and her grandchildren. Her friends and family will miss her yearly gifts of perfectly crocheted and starched snowflake ornaments to decorate their holiday seasons. She was an avid bridge player and excelled at the daily Word Jumble, enjoying working through the puzzles as a group effort with loved ones. Ms. Porter’s love of life and witty sense of humor, her positive attitude and love of debate will remain a cherished memory for her friends and family members. She is survived by her brother Wag; her sisters Lillian and Charlotte; her son Dan and daughter-in-law Pat; her son Mark; her former daughter-in-law Laurie; and her three grandchildren, Chauni, Hannah, and Jacob. A memorial service will be held at the Mercer Island Presbyterian Church on January 23, 2010 at 1 p.m.