Marian "Billie" Porter
May 02, 1922 - February 05, 2014
Missed by All
On February 5, the world lost its most colorful character who was a good friend to many. Marian “Billie” Porter died peacefully with her family by her side of pneumonia. She was born to Miles and Blanche Mitchell in Everett, WA and graduated from Everett High School where she was the Girls Club President and the Queen of Hearts. She and her sister Mabel were wonderful story tellers who had vivid imaginations which sometimes got them in trouble. The adventures they had growing up in Everett and the vivid stories of their lives will live on as favorite and lasting memories for all their loved ones. Billie attended the University of Washington and was a member of the Delta Gamma Sorority. She married William “Bill” Porter, of Seattle in 1950 and lived in the Montlake area before moving to Mercer Island in 1960. They spent their retirement years on Camano Island. Billie was well known for her “amazing” garage sales, her bright clothes, and her outgoing and gregarious nature. Everyone who met Billie loved her for her sense of humor and friendliness. She spent her last years as a resident of Merrill Gardens/ Emeritus in Stanwood where she was an ambassador for new residents. She met so many wonderful friends, including the amazing staff. Thanks to all of you for making her last years so special. Billie was preceded in death by her husband Bill and her sister Mabel Louise Smoke. She is survived by her two children, son, Mac Porter (Pam); daughter Susan Rutledge (Steven) both of Bellevue, granddaughters Jhensi, Linley, Taylour and Haley and her nieces Patty Huston (Bill); Rosemary Flannigan (Randy); and nephew Pat Healy.
FUNERAL INFORMATION
Celebration of Life: A celebration of Billie’s life will be held on May 4 at her daughter’s home in Bellevue. Date: Sunday, May 4, 2014 Time: 2-4 Location: Steve and Sue Rutledge 4441 94th Ave. NE Yarrow Point, WA 98004 425-785-4559
DONATIONS
Donations in memory of her husband Bill and her son Mac who is living with early onset Alzheimer’s may be sent to: UW Medicine Advancement, Attn: Gift Processing, Box 358045, Seattle, WA 98195-8045. Please make checks payable to "UW Foundation" and include "Friends of Alzheimer’s Research" and “Marian Porter’s” full name” on the memo line. Donations can also be made to NOAH Animal Adoption Center of Stanwood by calling 360-629-7055.
Memorial
TO THOSE I LOVE AND THOSE WHO LOVED ME
When I am gone, release me, let me go.
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears.
Be thankful for our many beautiful years.
I gave to you my love; you can only guess
How much you gave me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown,
But now it's time I travel on alone.
So grieve awhile for me, if grieve you must:
Then let your grief be comforted by trust;
It's only for a time that we must part,
So bless the memories within your heart.
I won't be far away, for life goes on
So if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you cannot see or touch me, I'll be near
And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear
All my love around you soft and clear.
And then, when you must come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and say...
"Welcome home."
HER JOURNEY
Don't think of her as gone away,
her journey's just begun,
life holds so many facets
this earth is only one.
Just think of her as resting
from the sorrow and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort,
where there are no days and years.
Think how she must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.
And think of her as living
in the hearts of those she touched,
For nothing loved is ever lost,
and she was loved so much.