Shirley Porter

Mrs. Shirley May Porter, 87, passed away, with her loved ones by her side, Monday, January 24, 2022, at St. Luke’s Healthcare of MVHS.

Shirley was born in Canastota, NY, May 6, 1934, a daughter of the late, Charles A. and Martha M. (Miller) May. She was raised and educated in Canastota and a graduate of Canastota High School. On August 5, 1955, Shirley was joined in marriage to Richard D. Porter. Dick and Shirley have shared over sixty-seven loving years of marriage, sharing many happy times with family, especially their adored grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Shirley began her work career as a telephone operator, at NY Telephone, where she retired from the engineering department, after a 30-year career. In 1989, she joined her husband in the family business, Shepherd Paint, in Utica, where she had no problem telling you she did everything, except clean the toilets!

In retirement, she and Dick loved to travel and especially enjoyed winters in Florida. She also loved her home in Whitesboro, where she enjoyed spending time with her grandkids, and in her garden.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Dick; one son, Richard D. Porter, Miami; five grandchildren, Stacy Ann Gadway, Richard D. Porter III, Travis L. Porter, Allison M. Porter, and Ashley M. Porter; four great grandchildren, Sierra Gadway, Cody Gadway, Nicholas John Porter, and Angelina Porter; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, Travis C. Porter; two sisters, Betty Minogue and Lucy L. May; and five brothers, Charles, James, William, Richard, and Robert May.

Relatives and friends are invited to her Mass of Christian Burial, Friday, at 11:30 a.m., at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Whitesboro. Interment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. All attendees are required to wear masks covering their nose and mouth.

The family would like to offer their heartfelt gratitude to the 5th floor staff at St. Luke’s Healthcare, for the loving care shown to Shirley during her stay.

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