Stella T. Porter

Porter, Stella T. ALBANY Stella Thompson Porter, widow of Donald F. Porter, died peacefully at the Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital on Tuesday, June 17, 2008. She was born on December 26, 1914 in Ark. and soon moved to Okla. with her parents, Noah L. and Myrtle Voss Thompson, and her brother, Ralph Thompson, all of whom preceded her in death. Stella has lived in Albany since 1945, where she developed many long friendships. She especially enjoyed the theater as well as traveling, playing bridge, and being a member and president of the University Woman's Club. She had a long, rewarding career as a seamstress and designer of wedding gowns and women's formal wear. She owned the Bette Seed Shop on Central Avenue for several years. She celebrated over 25 years of marriage to her beloved Donald, who died in 1986. His two daughters, Donna Gardner and Linda Kross, and one grandson, Derek Gardner, were a very important part of her life. Others who grieve Stella's passing are nieces, Margaret Olinger of McAlester, Okla. and Sabina Bernardi of Lexington, Ky. Grandnieces and grandnephews are Lisa Lancaster, Mark Bernardi, John Bernardi, and Paul Olinger. A grandniece, Mary Olinger Blackwell, preceded Stella in death in 2007. One of the most important people in Stella's life for the past 25 years is Ada Kinsey, her helper, caregiver, and special friend. Ada's devotion and friendship were greatly treasured by Stella and the family. Stella's loved ones appreciate the dedicated care given her by the staff at the Hospice Inn and St. Peter's Hospital. Funeral services Friday at 1:00 p.m. in the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Friday after 12:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Interment will follow the service in Memory's Garden Cemetery. Those wishing to remember Stella in a special way may send a contribution to Community Hospice, 445 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205 or the charity of your choice.