Marie Elaine Carter of Ventura, age 95, our Mom, Grandma, and Friend, died peacefully at Community Memorial Hospital on Monday evening, December 26, 2016. She was under the care of Dr. Scott Goodfriend and hospital staff for several days during which she was able to spend meaningful hours, including Christmas Day, with her son and daughter.
Marie was born in 1921 in Winnipeg, Canada. She was the only child of Margaret McKay and Fredrick McGregor of Canada. The family soon immigrated to the United States and Marie grew up in Union City, Pennsylvania. She married Ralph
A. Porter and they had three children: Barbara Candace (born Santa Barbara, CA), Bruce Ralph (born Cambridge Springs, PA), and John Scott Porter. The family lived in Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania until 1950 when they moved to warmer Southern California where brother John was born (North Hollywood).
When the children were in school full time, Marie went to work for Sears, Roebuck where she retired as Assistant Personnel Manager after 16 years. During those years, she and the children's father divorced. Marie later met and subsequently married William F. Carter. Marie and Bill bought a ranch in Lakeview, Oregon where they lived for several years before returning to California to be nearer their children. They had been charmed by Ventura when they visited Marie's daughter and family there in the early 1970s. On their return they eventually purchased a home in Ventura where they lived for 42 years.
Marie volunteered as a Pink Lady at Community Memorial Hospital for several years. She and Bill made many friends in Ventura, some neighbors, others members of the antique car club (including Dick and Lucille Miller of Ojai) and a number who, after visiting Marie and Bill from other areas, decided to relocate to Ventura. Marie and Bill bought a sailboat that they docked at Ventura Marina; however, Marie was nervous about sailing beyond the breakwater so they largely used the sailboat to entertain when friends came to visit. Eventually, the sailboat was replaced by a party boat that was launched at Lake Casitas. Many were the summer weekends and holidays that friends, children and grandchildren spent at Lake Casitas floating aboard the Carter party boat.
During these years, a succession of RVs also came into the family picture. Together with like-minded travel companions, Marie and Bill would set up camp at California's beaches or travel around the country. Often they enjoyed Mule Days or the Calgary Stampede with friends, or camped and fished along the Pacific Coast. Family and friends forged friendships that bridged succeeding generations of people who still remember those days and have stories to tell.
Marie was preceded in death by her beloved husband William F. Carter in 1999 and her youngest son John Porter in 2011.She leaves behind her daughter Barbara Hearon (Ventura) and son Bruce Porter (Anza), as well as step-children
Kim Atria (Bell Canyon), Byron Carter (Woodland Hills) and Becky Walker (Tryon, NC). She also leaves behind grandchildren Patti Porter and Barbie Porter; Melissa Mercedes, Christopher and Timothy Buttner; Courtney Porter; Jennifer Galempietro, and step-grandchildren Jason Aliano and Jeannine Faraci. In addition, she was blessed with 12 great grandchildren and one great-great grandson.
At the age of 95, it is also worth honoring Marie's cherished living friends for over 50 years: dearly-loved Katherine Collins (Camarillo), and Nina Small (Carson City, NV} and their families. The family also wants to recognize Penny Nordman who lived with Marie for over two years, taking her to doctor's appointments,
preparing meals and providing companionship. And who could forget "Miss Maggie," Marie's rescue dog who cuddled with her in the evenings in a big, cozy chair by the fire.
Marie endured some difficult times in her life but always managed to demonstrate an incredible emotional strength. This strength sustained not only her but her family and friends during her final days. She left us knowing how much she was loved, the joy she brought to our lives, and accepting that it was her time to say goodbye. She lived life on her own terms and she left us on her own terms, always with that beautiful, warm smile with which she entered every room.
A Celebration of Life honoring Marie Elaine Carter will be held on Saturday, January 28, at the Charles Carroll Funeral Home in Ventura, beginning at 2 PM.
Arrangements under the direction of Charles Carroll Funeral Home, Ventura, CA.
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