November 25, 2022
Porter, Muriel E.
Muriel Elaine (Brown) Porter, a longtime resident of New Pond Village in Walpole, but formerly of Dedham, died Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at the Ellis Nursing Home, in Norwood. She was 89. Muriel was born May 22, 1933 in Boston, Massachusetts, the daughter of Francis Herman and Grace F. (Johnson) Brown. She graduated from Roslindale High School with the Class of 1950 and from Boston State Teacher’s College. Muriel taught second grade at the Riverdale School in Dedham for several years and also taught flute lessons to private students. In 1950, she joined the Parkway Concert Orchestra, where she met her future husband, and for many years sat first chair in the flute section. She also served the orchestra as their Secretary and Public Relations Coordinator. On June 25, 1955 Muriel married William Wendell Porter Jr. with whom she spent 54 years as husband and wife. Together they encouraged many young musicians and soloists to pursue careers and avocations, especially in community orchestras, in the musical field. Muriel was a longtime member of the Allin Congregational Church in Dedham where she served as the representative to Church Women United, as the Benevolence Committee Chairman, a Deaconess, and a member of the R.E. Committee. She also enjoyed playing bridge with her many friends at New Pond Village. Muriel was the beloved wife of William “Bill” Porter who predeceased her in 2009, and the sister of the late Wayne F. Brown. She is survived by her two cherished daughters and their adored husbands; Joyce E. McFarland, and her husband Gary, of South Yarmouth, and Virginia Barry, and her husband Jim, of Walpole; her four wonderful grandchildren, Andrew William McFarland, and his wife Leah, Matthew Robert McFarland, Sean James Barry, and his wife Taylor, and Meredith Lee Barry; her two adored great grandchildren, Graham and Albie Barry; as well as her beloved brother-in-law, Laurence Porter. Services and interment in the Gardens at Gethsemane Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers donations to the Allin Congregational Church, 683 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026 or to the Parkway Concert Orchestra, PO Box 1025, Dedham, MA 02027 would be appreciated
Comments(8)
Best wishes, I know she will be missed.
Linda
I will miss you, my dear friend. You were always such good company and never forgot to send me greeting cards, especially on my birthday. You and Bill were two of the most “favoritist” people, giving so much of yourselves to those around you and to our beloved Allin Church. May you rest in the arms of the Lord.
In Christ’s love,
Bev
Joyce and Ginny- So sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. You both were such good caregivers and cherished daughters.We feel so honored that we got to know you mother over the years. Prayers and blessings as you prepare to say goodbye. Losing your last living parent is a difficult transition in life. Love Peggy & Bob McFarland
To Muriel’s family: I am so sorry for your loss. Muriel was such a sweet person, had a very soft voice, and was always so very kind. I remember her playing the flute when we had our Thanksgiving programs at New Pond Village. She loved playing Bingo and Lucky Dice–she was very lucky playing Lucky Dice. I will miss her nice notes to me on birthday cards as well as the sweet person that she was. May she rest in peace.
Shirley Hutchins
Our deepest condolences to you and Ginny and your families. It is a difficult transition from life to death . I hope you can find comfort in her peaceful passing . And to be honored to be present with her throughout her transition. You and Ginny have been wonderful daughters throughout the years . In peace…
Beautifully written and filled with beloved recollections from years past. I will always cherish memories made on Fourth of July and Labor Day. Thoughts & prayers to the family.
Dear Ginny and Joyce sorry to have heard that your Mom has passed away. God bless you both.
Our family used to attend the Allin Church and knew Bill and Muriel there at that time. This was some years ago, but then I met her again in my association with the Parkway Orchestra later. I have been a librarian for the Milton Public Library for many years, and part of my work is to book concerts and adult programs, and I hosted the Orchestra in Milton later. Muriel was a wonderful and talented person, and we are very sorry for your loss.
Craig, Jean and Michael Hlady