Caryl W. Porter

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of CARYL PORTER, age 86, of Las Cruces on Thursday, March 13. She died unexpectedly after a short illness. Caryl was the loving wife and life partner to her husband of 66 years, Bill Porter. She was the proud mother of three daughters: Betsy, Kathy, and Kristin, and warmly welcomed and loved their partners, Maurice, Jay and George. Her grandchildren, Laura, David (and dear wife Kristy), Jason, Paul, and Brian as well as great-grandchildren Thomas and Lilly loved her dearly. Caryl was a dynamic, multi-faceted person. She was an adventurer, a teacher, an activist, a caring friend, a lifelong learner. She volunteered, she painted, she sang. She had an immense zest for life and lived richly and gratefully.

Caryl grew up in Kansas and moved to Las Cruces 60 years ago. She immediately became involved in the community through folk singing, Community Concert, community choirs, plays, opera, politics, and volunteer work. She attended NMSU where she earned her master?s degree in education. In her 30 year career as a 4th and 5th grade teacher, she influenced, inspired, and encouraged countless children. In her latter years of teaching, Caryl and Bill planted an apple orchard on Valley Drive which contributed to her busy schedule.

When she retired, Caryl helped manage her husband, Bill Porter?s legislative campaigns. She supported his good works as he served 8 years as a state representative. Retirement never slowed her down. Caryl and Bill travelled?to every state and 6 of the 7 continents. She continued to volunteer in her community, championed worthy causes and never failed to write a generous check whenever she saw a need. She took art classes and painted prolifically. She continued taking other classes (and was currently enrolled in a NM history class and was learning tai chi) and regularly attended the Academy of Learning in Retirement. She LOVED people and parties and laughed and loved mightily with all of her dear family and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Saturday, March 22 at 3:30 p.m. Immediately following, everyone is invited to a celebration of Caryl?s life at the Boulder?s clubhouse. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice, the Parkinson?s Association, the Alzheimer?s Foundation, or La Casa.