M. Eleanore Porter, 88, of Lawrence, MA, passed away on May 6, 2015 at the Berkeley Nursing Home, Lawrence. 

Eleanore was born in Philadelphia, PA, on April 16, 1927 to the late Emma (Milner) and Samuel H. Porter. She was educated in Lawrence Public Schools and graduated Lawrence High School class of 1944. 

For many years, Eleanore worked as the manager of the New England Telephone Company, managing offices in Newburyport, Haverhill, Lawrence and Tewksbury prior to her retirement. She also worked in the company’s Boston Corporate Headquarters and their Marlboro training center. 

Eleanore was a lifelong member of the Grace Episcopal Church, Lawrence, where at different times she served as a vestry member, clerk, and Junior and Senior Warden. She also served as an Altar Guild Directoress and representative to the Episcopal City Mission, serving on the Parish Mission Committee in the Diocese of Massachusetts. Later, Eleanore would represent the church on the steering committee of the Merrimack Valley Project.

Throughout her life, Eleanore was very active in community affairs. She served as a trustee of the Methuen Memorial Music Hall, chairing the Development committee and restoration fund drive; she was a member and past secretary of the Quota Club of Greater Lawrence, and was a former secretary/treasurer of District 29, Quota International. Eleanore was also a life-long member of Telephone Pioneer of America and was a past president of the Heritage council of Pioneers. More recently, Eleanore severed on the Board of Directors for the Berkeley Retirement Home in Lawrence. 

Eleanore also enjoyed volunteering in the “Adopt a School” program, reading aloud and mentoring a student after school at the Leahy School, Lawrence. 

Eleanore leaves behind several cousins. 

Friends and loved ones are invited to attend a graveside service on Tuesday, May 12, at 1:30pm at the Elmwood Cemetery, 130 N. Lowell St., Methuen. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 16, at 1:30pm at the Berkeley Retirement Home, 150 Berkeley St., Lawrence, MA 01841.

Memorial donations may be made, in Eleanore’s name, to the Grace Episcopal Church, 35 Jackson St., Lawrence, MA 01840; the Methuen Memorial Music Hall, P.O. Box 463, Methuen, MA 01844 ; or to the charity of ones’ choice. 

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.dewhirstfuneral.com or facebook.com/DewhirstFuneralHome

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