Maralyn Ruschmann Porter

Maralyn Ruschmann Porter, 96, passed away peacefully at her home in Gilead on October 8, 2023. She was the beloved wife of 65 years to the late Wilbur Strong Porter. Born October 4, 1927, in Willimantic, she was a daughter of the late Herman and Florence (Sweetland) Ruschmann. Upon graduating from Windham High School in 1945, she was employed by Aetna in the typing pool where she was recognized for speed and accuracy. Maralyn later held several positions in the Hebron and Regional School District Eight school systems, retiring from RHAM High School. Maralyn’s last and most enjoyable job was working at the Douglas Library where she was able to meet many new families and reconnect with old friends. In the early 1970’s, Maralyn and her brother Mel owned the What’z - It Shop, antiques and collectibles, in Willimantic. She enjoyed collecting antiques, rug braiding, baking, UConn basketball, and was an avid Red Sox fan. She and Wilbur traveled extensively in the USA and Europe especially after Wilbur’s retirement from Porter Farm Inc.. An active member of her community, Maralyn was a life member of The Hebron Historical Society and the Douglas Library Association. She was the secretary of Gilead Cemetery Association for over 40 years, served on the Commission on Aging for many years and was a member of Gilead Congregational Church for over 70 years. Additionally, she was active in the CT Farm Bureau, Gilead Grange, and supported many other community efforts through the years. The coffee pot was always ready and many visits were enjoyed with friends over a good cup of perked coffee (no instant, decaf or drip for her)! Maralyn was predeceased by her sister Florence McComber, her brothers H. Ira, Joseph, Melvin, and W. Ronald, niece Jane McComber Demarais, and son-in-law Mark Hollister. She is survived by her daughters Susan Porter, Peggy (Robert) Gasper, grand children Sarah (Mario) Costa, Kevin (Lindsay) Gasper, and great-grandchildren Ryan & Gavin Costa and Easton & Paisley Gasper, all of Hebron. A graveside service will be held at the Gilead Cemetery, Gilead Street, Hebron, CT on October 17, 2023 at 11 o’clock. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gilead Congregational Church Memorial Fund or Middlesex Hospice.

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