Arlene B. Porritt

Arlene B. Porritt, 71, of St. Joseph, Michigan passed away May 5, 2005, at her home amongst her family and friends. A Celebration of Life service will be held 10:30 a.m., Monday May 09, 2005, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 609 Court Street, St. Joseph. Rev. Tom Batsky will be officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Friends may call on the family from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday, May 8, 2005, at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest- book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arlene was born on October 8, 1933 to Frieda (Wolff) and Wilson Brant, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After entering Penn State the same year as Joe Paterno, Arlene transferred to Eastern Michigan University and graduated with honors (cum laude) in 1955. On June 25, 1955 she married John ?Jack? Porritt, her high school sweetheart. In her early years of marriage Arlene taught at Willow Run Schools in Willow Run, Michigan. She was a loving wife, mother, Nana, and a friend to all. She loved her children and especially her grandchildren. Family always came first. She enjoyed playing bridge, needle pointing, theater and reading her favorite novels. Each of the fifteen grandchildren cherishes a child?s needlepoint rocking chair that was made with ?their Nana?s? loving hands. Arlene served on several boards and charitable organizations including: Y-Teen Board, Y-Board at the YMCA (Vice President), Pan-Hel, American Association of University Woman, Civic Benefit (President), Michigan New Comers Club, and Sunday school teacher. Arlene is survived by her husband John ?Jack? of 50 years; sons?Jeff (Lynn) Porritt of Chanhassen, MN, John (Kris) Porritt of Brookfield, WI; daughters Susan (Scott) Nelson of Hinsdale, IL, Lori (Jeff) Linforth of Northbrook, IL, Amy (Mike) Peirce of St. Joseph, MI; fifteen grandchildren?Brandon, Audrey, Ryan (Jeff Porritt) of Chanhassen, MN, Amanda, Peter, Elizabeth, Sarah (Susan Nelson) of Hinsdale, IL, Maggie, Jack, Ellie (Lori Linforth) of Northbrook, IL, Lindsay, Matthew (Amy Porritt-Peirce) of St. Joseph, MI, Alyssa, Jack, Annie (John Porritt) of Brookfield WI; brother?Bob (Jerry) Brant of Meadville, PA; brother in law?Thomas (Carol) Porritt of Rio Verde, AZ. She was preceded in death by her mother and father?Frieda and Wilson Brant. The family requests that gifts in memory of Arlene Porritt be given to The Curious Kids Museum, c/o Pat Adams-Director, 415 Lake Boulevard, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085.