Mabel L Porter

Mabel L. Porter

Mabel L. Porter, of Toledo, Ohio passed away peacefully on February 14, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Mabel was born on April 3, 1924, to Rose (Meruvia) and Raymond Hurlburt in Cochabamba, Bolivia. At the age of four, Mabel’s mother and father brought her to the United States on January 13, 1929. She lived in Van Nuys, California where she attended Van Nuys High through her sophomore year. She also attended Morris High School in The Bronx, New York and subsequently graduated from Waite High School, Toledo, Ohio in 1943.

Mabel’s father was a Presbyterian minister and he also worked for the Salvation Army which prompted periodic moves. She played the piano in the churches her father ministered in.

Mabel met her future husband, Robert E. Porter, in Toledo, Ohio, at church where her father ministered and she played the piano. After high school, she reacquainted with Robert when their paths crossed while Mabel was waiting for a bus in downtown Toledo. Months later, Mabel and Robert were married on June 1, 1948. They settled in Toledo in a home Robert built for Mabel and the family they created. Mabel and Robert had seven children: Robert Porter (Barb), Kathy Schnetzler, Julie Griffith (David), Ruth McDonald, Linda Greenwood (John), Tammy Knack (Ken) and Tom Porter (Trista), 15 grandchildren, and 30 great grandchildren.

During WWII, Mabel decoded letters written in secret ink for the military. After marriage and several children, Mabel became a highly successful Tupperware manager, and continued working for 30 years. Mabel was hardworking, selfless, and enjoyed life. Her sweet kindness was contagious and touched everyone she encountered. She loved family, music, dancing, singing, and her cooking was always a delight to all. Mabel was beloved by her family, and she was a constant light in their lives.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert E. Porter, sister, Juliet Hurlburt, great grandson Noah Croft and great granddaughter, Wilhelmina Schnetzler.

Private visitation and funeral services will be held in the Bersticker-Scott Funeral Home, Interment will take place in Ottawa Hills Memorial Park Cemetery next to her husband, Robert. The family suggests memorials to the Shriners Children’s or St. Jude Children’s Hospitals. A condolence to the family may be sent through the Berstickerscottfuneralhome.com website.