Ellinor A. Porter

1926 - 2012

BORN

1926

DIED

2012

Ellinor Porter Obituary

Ellinor A. Porter, 85, of Crystal, MN passed away on Jan. 28, 2012. She was a respected orchestra teacher, fine violinist, talented painter, loving mother and grandmother, and a friend to pretty much everyone she encountered. Born Ellinor Brown in Emporia, Kansas on March 15, 1926, she graduated from the College of Emporia in 1947.

Ellinor taught elementary and middle school orchestra for 40 years - in Kansas, Arizona, and for 25 years, in the Oshkosh Area School District. She also nurtured the talents of many young string players as a private teacher. In 1991, Ellinor was recognized as Wisconsin "String Teacher of the Year" by the American String Teachers Association for her talent in developing young musicians through her programs and instruction. She was very involved in church music both in Arizona and Wisconsin, and directed children's choirs and intergenerational church orchestras for over 25 years at the First Congregational Church in Oshkosh. A fine musician in her own right, Ellinor played violin in both the Tucson Symphony and Oshkosh Civic Symphony, and sang in many choirs, including two that toured Europe.

Upon her retirement, Ellinor traveled extensively, visiting Japan, Poland, England, Italy, Greece, and Norway. She eventually moved to the Twin Cities to be near family. Battling rheumatoid arthritis that curtailed her playing career, she channeled her creative energies into painting, singing with her church choir, and playing with her grandchildren. Blessed with a warm sense of humor and kind spirit, Ellinor had a knack for connecting with people, be they her students, colleagues or friends.

She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Ellinor was preceded in death by sister Connie Spear, son Richard, and ex-husband Harold. She is survived by son Michael (Paula Mazzacano), daughter Janice (David Livingston), grandchildren Aaron, Jordan, and Hannah Porter, Taylor and Noah Livingston, and Annelisa, Nicholas, and Christopher Livingston.

Memorial service and musical celebration of Ellinor's life at First Congregational Church on March 11, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. Memorial gifts may be made to the Ellinor Porter Youth Orchestra Fund at The Oshkosh Foundation (230 Ohio St., Suite 100, Oshkosh, WI 54902), in support of the Oshkosh Youth Symphony Orchestra.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Oshkosh Northwestern on Mar. 4, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Ellinor Porter

8 Entries

Mary Lou Bleichwehl

October 18, 2019

Mrs. Porter was a dedicated teacher; it takes fortitude to teach middle school students. She forgave and saw past my acting out in class, continuously encouraging me. She went above and beyond her duty so far as to find free, private lessons for me one summer. I am grateful that she was my teacher, that she persevered and gave me a life long appreciation for classical music and love of the viola.

Paul Esslinger

March 8, 2012

When I was in 5th grade, Mrs. Porter visited Jacob Shapiro to introduce the 5th graders to string instruments and to encourage them to sign up for orchestra for an elective at South Park in 6th grade. I immediately picked up a cello and started "playing." Mrs. Porter came and spoke with me while I "played" with the cello. It was her encouragement that got me to sign up. She even ordered a brand new cello for me in 7th grade because she promoted me to honors orchestra. I think that cello is still at South Park today! I'm going to make every effort to try and get that cello! God bless Mrs. Porter!

Suzanne Roy

March 6, 2012

I used to live in Oshkosh and was a member of the music faculty at UWO. Elinor was one of the first people I met and we saw each other socially frequently. I was also Janice's voice teacher and Rick's professor in Vocal Lit and Opera Lit. Elinor was proud of her children as well she should be. Until a few years ago I received a Christmas letter from her. I pray that the family take great comfort from each other and great pride in the life and work of Elinor. She was a wonderful woman.

Lynette Radtke

March 6, 2012

Just wanted to say how sorry I am for Mike and Janice. My brother and I grew up with them and Mrs. Porter was always so nice to us. God Bless You Both.

Warren Scoville

March 5, 2012

Mrs. Porter was a great music teacher and choir director. She will be missed.

Nick Parmentier

March 4, 2012

Mrs. Porter taught me how to play the stand-up bass in 6th grade. That skill later transferred over to guitar- which I still play to this day. She was a very kind lady to me, and was equal parts cheerleader, and drill Sergent when she had to be (and when dealing with middle school students- you had to be). Thank you, Mrs. Porter for sharing your love of music with me, and so many other students throughout the years.

Sharon Pausig

March 4, 2012

Eilinor was a wonderful lady as she taught in Oshkosh. My children were in her church children's choir at First Congregational. I also accompanied many of her student concerts and individual students at contest. She lives on thru all the students she taught and nurtured. Thank you Ellinor!!

Sandra (Beane) Leen

March 4, 2012

I have so much to thank for this woman. She started my music career. She had such a warm and understanding heart. I remember some of the things she had to go through with us kids in school. There were some trying times but she almost always stayed calm and had a smile. I have thought about her a lot in the past years. So sad to see her go but she lives on in many of us who are products of her knowledge. Thank you Mrs Porter for all that you have done and contributed. You will be missed.

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