Helen V. Porter

Helen V. Porter, age 89, of Clearwater, Florida and formerly of Mars, Pennsylvania, died Friday 15 June 2018 at East Bay Rehabilitation Center in Clearwater. 

Born March 31, 1929 in Valencia, PA, she was the second of three children born to the late William O. and Clara Kennedy Gilleland. 

Helen was a homemaker and for many years a civil servant with the Board of Elections in both Adams Township (Butler County) and upon relocation in Clearwater.  Helen was employed by Reliance Insurance Agency in Pittsburgh and with her children a very active booster and supporter of the “Planets” sports, band, and school.  She was a strong advocate of civil respect, child welfare, and responsibilities of the family.  Helen was always an active participant and available anytime someone needed a listening ear, guidance, and support. 

Helen battled and survived many illnesses throughout several decades and always fought through with courage and faith.

Helen, a 1947 graduate of Mars High School, married Wendell W. Porter 9 April 1949.  Prior to her move to Florida, she was an active member of the Valencia United Presbyterian Church and Hope Presbyterian Church in Clearwater. 

Helen is survived by her sister, Betty J. Steiner of Clearwater, FL, two sons, Dennis Porter and his wife, Nancy of Buckhannon, WV and Jeffrey Porter and his wife Wanda of Austin, TX, four granddaughters: Kristen Porter of Greensboro, NC, Lara Trushel of Beaver, PA, Heather Porter of Salisbury, MD, and Wendy Porter of Bar Harbor, ME; three great granddaughters: Avalyn and Amalia Trushel and Greenley Porter; and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.  

She was proceeded in death by her husband, Wendell, and her brother William Gilleland.

Friends will be received at the McDonald-Aeberli Funeral Home, Inc. 238 Crowe Ave. Mars, PA on Wednesday from 6-8 PM.  Services will be held on Thursday at 11:00 AM at the funeral home.  Burial will be in West Union Cemetery, Pine Twp. Memorials may be made to the Valencia Presbyterian Church, 80 Sterrett St. Valencia, PA 16059 or to the Hospice of the donor’s choice. Directions and condolences are available at www.mcdonald-aeberli.com.