Heidi Porter

NORTH BERWICK, Maine — Heidrun Undine Liane Wilde Porter, better known as Heidi Porter, died on the morning of May 22, 2012 at Hyder Hospice House in Dover.

She was born April 15, 1939, the daughter of Walter and Ilse Wilde, in Lubben, Germany. In her early childhood years, she survived the brutality of World War II and witnessed the occupation of her hometown by Soviet troops, resulting in the establishment of a communist regime in what eventually became East Germany.

She spent her elementary school years in East Germany until her family was able to flee to West Berlin as political refugees. She pursued her education in West Berlin and Southampton, England, graduating as an elementary school teacher.

She taught school in Berlin-Tempelhof for five years before emigrating to the United States in 1967. Her career as an educator continued in Kansas, Alaska, and finally in North Berwick, Maine, where she retired from the Mary Hurd School after 25 years of service.

In 2004 she proudly became a U.S. citizen.

After her retirement, Heidi embraced the spirit of volunteerism in surrounding communities. She cooked memorable meals at the Dover Friendly Kitchen, greeted families at the Family Reception Center of the Strafford County Correctional Center, judged Odyssey of the Mind events and floats at the Acton Fair, and hosted the annual sponge cake competition at the North Berwick Historical Society's booth during its Fourth of July festivities.

She served as tour guide for North Berwick, Maine forth graders on their annual historical bus trip and participated with fellow Quakers in ministry work at the Strafford County Correctional Center. Her heart was dedicated to advocating for the environment in hopes of securing a healthy future for our children and the planet.

Heidi was a leader and a participating member of various organizations. She was Past Matron of Priscilla Chapter 35, Order of the Eastern Star in Wells, Maine, and Past President of Alpha Delta Kappa Iota in Dover. She was a member of the National Education Association, the Retired Educators' Association of York County, Sarah Orne Jewett Chapter 176 OES in South Berwick, Maine The Greater Piscataquis Interfaith Sustainability Team, Peace and Social Concerns Committee of the Dover Friends Meeting House, and the Gully Oven Folkschool.

Heidi had a strong interest in researching and writing about the Quaker history of North Berwick, Maine.

She is survived by two daughters, Astrid Marshall and Ingrid Porter, and by the many friends who made her feel welcome in this country and who supported her in so many ways.

Her thirteen month experience with pancreatic cancer allowed her to be touched by many caring people at Seacoast Cancer Center, Amy's Treat, Beacon Hospice and Hyder House. Many thanks to the wonderful angels on earth who helped us all on Heid's journey.

There will be a private family interment at the Friends Cemetery in North Berwick, Maine. A memorial gathering has been scheduled for Saturday, June 30 at 2 p.m. at the Dover Friends Meeting House, 141 Central Avenue, Dover, New Hampshire. Bring a story to tell.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to one of Heidi's two favorite causes, Another Chance Animal Rescue, 37 Market Street North Berwick, Maine 03906, or Dover Friends Meeting House Furnace Fund, 141 Central Ave. Dover N.H. 03820.

Arrangements are in the care of the Johnson Funeral Home, North Berwick, Maine, www.JohnsonFuneralHomeME.com.

Visit www.fosters.com/obits to sign an online guest book.