Evelyn M. Porter

Evelyn Marjorie Libby Porter, 95, devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed peacefully from this life on July 25, 2012, with family by her side. She was born April 9, 1917 on her parents’ farm on the Poland Road in Pownal, Maine.

She was the daughter of Leroy and Edith Britt Libby and was one of 12 children. As the oldest daughter, she helped raise some of the younger children, as well as doing her share of chores on the farm. She and other siblings walked to the nearby one room Collinsbrook schoolhouse. Although life on the farm consisted of hard work, Evelyn had many fond memories; the local swimming hole, chumming with the Dennison children, searching for treasures at Goddard’s, the first car, going to the grange hall dances with her brothers, gardening, and sharing Molly, the family horse. Prior to her marriage, Evelyn worked in several Freeport shoe factories to help support herself and the family. When her children were older, she worked at L.L.Bean Manufacturing, retiring in 1978.. She had been a member of the Eastern Star, the Whosoevers, and attended the Baptist Church in Freeport.

Evelyn married Elmer L. (Bud) Porter after WWII and became a full-time mother and homemaker. They lived on School Street in Freeport and later moved to the Porter ancestral home in Freeport where their four children were raised. Evelyn loved to sew, cook, and can vegetables from the garden. Her apple pie was entered in the Cumberland Fair one year, to rave reviews, and her delicious molasses cookies are famous among all that knew her.

Despite her failed eyesight in later years, she had a wonderful capacity to remain content and happy with simple things centered on home and family. She enjoyed visits from her grandchildren and great grandchildren and loved listening to music from the 1940’s era. She loved the birds that graced her many feeders and had a special songbird CD, which was played every morning and became a ritual for greeting the day. Upon her passing, a songbird was singing loudly outside her window as if saying good-bye.

Predeceased by her husband, Bud, in 1990, and seven of her siblings, Evelyn is survived by sisters, Margaret Uldall of Portland, Luella Merryman of Lisbon Falls; brothers Clarence Libby and wife Peggy of Durham, Norman Libby and wife Rena of Massachusetts, and sister-in-laws Marion Libby of Freeport and Fern Libby of Lisbon Falls; her children, Howard E. Porter and wife Nancy of Brunswick, Marjorie E. Porter and her companion Bud Parsons of Durham, Lewis L. Porter and wife Ruth of Freeport, and Ann C. Porter and husband Eric Knight of Alaska. She also leaves with so many special memories, her grandchildren; Christopher and fiance’, Melissa, Justin and wife, Regis, and Benjamin Porter, her beloved great grandchildren; Alison, Alexander, Brookelynn, Grace, Trey, Lydia, and Lyla, as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the many special caregivers she was blessed with over the years at her home, as well as "Nurse Anne" and the caring staff at Mid-Coast hospital.

At her request, a private service was held at Lindquist Funeral Home, 1 Mayberry Lane, Yarmouth, Maine. Burial will follow at Webster Cemetery, Freeport. Arrangements are under the direction of Lindquist Funeral Home 1 Mayberry Lane Yarmouth Maine. On Line condolences can be made to Evelyn’s family at www.lindquistfuneralhome.com.

Please make any desired donations in honor of Evelyn to your favorite charity. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Lindquist Funeral Home, 1 Mayberry Lane, Yarmouth Maine. Please visit www.lindquistfuneralhome.com for additional information and to sign Evelyn's guest book.