Monday, January 23, 2017

Until We Meet Again

Many of you know that one of ours Kathy Porter, a dear blogging buddy and quilter, passed a week ago from Ovarian Cancer.  She was dear to many of us, an encourager to all, a wonderful mom and Nana to her 4 T's.  
Here is her obituary:

Kathleen "Kathy" Ann Porter, went to heaven at 9:34 AM on January 16, 2017. She died peacefully at her home surrounded by her loved ones after a hard fought battle with ovarian cancer. She was supported by BJC Hospice Care team, who provided great care for her comfort.
She was born February 7, 1951, in Highland, IL., to Robert and Doris Koonce. She grew up in Greenville and graduated from Greenville High School in 1969.  
She married Charlie Porter on December 18, 1987. He survives. Also surviving are her father, Bob Koonce, her daughter Robin Stephens, her son-in-law Mike Stephens, her four grandchildren, Trey, Taryn, Tucker and Tressa Stephens; her two sisters, Kay Koonce Holsted (Greg Olson) and Lisa Koonce (Mark Bader); two nephews Ben and Jon Holsted. 
She was preceded in death by her mother, Doris, and an infant daughter, Melinda Rose.
As a single parent, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting at SIUE in June 1981. She worked at Cassens and Sons for seven years. She retired from SIUE, after 20 years of service, in 2008. During her retirement, she enjoyed helping others, spending time with loved ones, and working on her hobbies. She was a loyal Cardinal and Blues fan, as well as a long-time member of LeClaire Christian Church. She enjoyed reading, quilting, and traveling to the beach. Most of all, she enjoyed all the time spent with her daughter and grandchildren.
Condolences to the family can be expressed online through this online guestbook.
A celebration of life will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, January 19, 2017, at Sunset Hill Funeral Home in Glen Carbon, IL. Her funeral will begin at 1:00 PM Friday, January 20, 2017, at Sunset Hill Funeral Home with Minister Jerry Kizzire presiding over the service. Memorials may be made to: Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance, PO Box 32141, New York, NY, 10087.

I got to know Kathy through blogging and can't remember who introduced me to her.  Her love of family and quilting bonded us immediately. Kathy was always there if I had a question about a technique or pattern.  Once when I was having an eye issue, she really pushed me to be seen immediately by my eye doctor.  She was also there with prayers for me when I went in for my hysterectomy, to remove an Ovarian mass.  When she began feeling under the weather and started sharing her symptoms, I pushed her to see her doctor as soon as possible.  The outcome was the same as my sisters-Ovarian Cancer.  Kathy rallied to the fight like a seasoned warrior.  Unfortunately the disease took her faster than we all expected.  Kathy fought it with courage and grace.  
I will miss this dear friend, but know that someday I'll get to meet her in Glory.
If you could, please remember her family in prayer.

Let each day we have be a blessing to others.

Noreen


6 comments:

  1. So sad. Sending hugs to the family
    Snorts,
    Lily & Edward

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  2. So sorry for your , the blogging world and the families loss .

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  3. Thinking about you and her family during this grieving time. Prayed. God bless you,
    d

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  4. I am so sorry. I did not know her blog but understand that, as bloggers, we form such tight friendships that we are akin to family. I am sorry for YOUR loss as well as her family's loss. xo Diana

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  5. I am so very sorry. Such a blessing to others, as we all should be. Prayers of peace and healing to all.

    xo
    Pat

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  6. Oh, I am so sorry to hear this Noreen! I did not know Kathy, but like Diana said above, our blogging friends become akin to family to us. Ovarian cancer is quite difficult to diagnose because the symptoms often are so vague. What a great friend you were to recognize the symptoms and encourage her to seek treatment. I know her loss is hard for you, and I am praying for you as well as her family!

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