Alice C. Porell

Alice Coleman (Reardon) Porell of Bedford, MA, formerly of Winchester, MA, died peacefully of natural causes. She was 92 years old.

Predeceased in 2015 by William J. Porell, M.D., her adoring husband of 57 years, Alice leaves her beloved family, son John Porell and his spouse Leslie Arnott of Jamaica Plain, son Robert L. Porell of New York, NY, daughter Ann McGoldrick and her spouse Jeff McGoldrick of Reading, MA, son Tom Porell and his spouse Chris of Littleton, MA, and daughter Sarah Porell and her spouse Shelley Fried of West Roxbury, MA. She is also survived by six loving grandchildren, Megan Henry and her husband Ryan, Michael and his fiancée Gabriella Masse  and Molly McGoldrick and Elizabeth, Caroline, and Thomas Porell and his spouse Christine, and two adorable great-grandchildren, Serafina and Jackson. She is also survived by two of her five beloved siblings, Paul Reardon of New York City, and Kathleen (Reardon) Madden of Dartmouth, as well as a number of nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. She was predeceased by her sister, Elinor Reardon and her brothers, Thomas and Barry Reardon.

Born in Boston, MA, and raised in Sharon, MA, Alice was the oldest child of six born to the late Thomas Reardon and Alice Marie (Coleman) Reardon. Alice graduated from Jean D’Arc Academy in Milton and attended Newton College of the Sacred Heart. An enthusiastic leader and organizer by nature, Alice was active in student government, athletics, and numerous clubs throughout her school years. She was elected Class President in both high school and college. She was always planning something.

Following college, Alice pursued graduate studies in education at Boston University, and taught in elementary schools in New York state and Massachusetts. She was a founder of the Cambridge Montessori School in Cambridge, MA, and great supporter of the Bartlett School in Arlington and Winchester.

In 1958, Alice married the great love of her life, Bill Porell, a Harvard-educated doctor from Haverhill. Initially living the city life in a two-room flat on Boston’s Long Wharf, the couple soon moved to Belmont and eventually Winchester, MA, where they raised their family of five. Alice and Bill were the life of the neighborhood, tirelessly supporting their children and their friends at school and church functions, sporting events, performances, and get-togethers. They lived for their children.

In later years, Alice and Bill moved to Bedford, MA as empty nesters. Alice remained active in the lives of her adult children, her six grandchildren, her other family members, her church, her friends, and her beloved fellowship of fellow travelers.  

To Alice, the spiritual life was never a theory. She lived it. She cherished her Catholic faith. She was active in numerous parishes throughout her life, especially St. Mary’s and St. Eulalia’s in Winchester and St. Michael’s in Bedford, teaching both CCD and RCIA. She dedicated her life to the service of others, sharing her strength, hope, and experience with countless fellows on the broad highway for over 47 years.

Alice had an irrepressible and magnetic spirit, always ready with a kind word, a compliment, or a funny remark. She drew people to her from all walks of life. Many who knew her reached out for advice, support and friendship. She loved to laugh especially at the antics of her siblings and children. She glowed in the company of her children, basking in their achievements, interests, passions, and loves. She adored all the members of her extended family, neighbors, and friends. There was room in her heart for everyone.

Visitation will be held at the Bedford Funeral Home, 167 Great Rd., Bedford, on Sunday, March 26, from 4:00-7:00 PM.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, March 27, at St. Michael Church, 90 Concord Rd., Bedford, at 10:00 AM. For livestream of service: https://my.gather.app/remember/alice-c-porell

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Catholic TV at PO Box 9196, Watertown, MA 02471 or www.catholictv.org. St. Michael Church, 90 Concord Rd., Bedford, MA 01730 or Sisters of Charity, Mt. St. Vincent Community, 125 Oakland St., Wellesley Hills, MA 02481