Mary Catherine Porter

MARY CATHERINE PORTER, 77, known to her friends and family as "Mary Kay", was born Sept. 23, 1938, in Kenosha, Wis. to Francis Ward Quinn and Catherine Quinn, but was raised by her stepfather, Henry Gebhard. She passed from this life on Feb. 19, 2016 at Saline Hospice in Bryant. She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Joe, Jim, and Ward Quinn. She is survived by her daughter Cathy (Charles) McCrotty, granddaughter Jessica (Josh) Vaughn, grandson Chaz McCrotty, and great-grandson Gavin Melton. For the past 39 years she resided in Jacksonville, where she attended St. Jude's Catholic Church and was a member of the Merry Widows even though she was divorced. She became a resident of Fox Ridge Assisted Living in Bryant in August of 2014, where she made lasting friendships with many residents and staff. She was a member of the "Nu Master Beta Sigma Phi" Sorority since December 1971, where she held many titles from President, Vice President, Secretary, to Woman of the Year. Through the years she was involved with Easter Seals Telethon, Pathfinders, she volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House, and supported veteran's projects at the museum. Through BSP International she supported medical research and other charities. Beta Sigma Phi's motto is: Life, Learning, and Friendship. She was a shining example of Beta Sigma Phi sister. She retired from the Corps of Engineers in 1999, and became a member of NARF (National Association of Retired Federal Employees). She became a world traveler, traveling to all 50 states and several countries. She was a very caring and loving person, full of life. She loved her family and friends and for sure they loved her. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 22, 2016 at Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home with a visitation from 10 a.m. until service time. The family would like to extend thanks to the caregivers at Fox Ridge, and the nurses at Saline Memorial Hospice in Bryant. We would also like to extend our appreciation to her loving dear friends Donna McVey, Don and Pat Reynolds you were there when I couldn't be. Dan and Gene, what can I say. You always held a special place in her heart and mine. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association www.alz.org. Arrangements by Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home and Crematory (501) 982-2136. Sign online guestbook at www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com.