Pearl A. Porter

COLEBROOK – Pearl Alice (Beauchemin) Porter, 90, of Colebrook, passed away on Friday, June 30, 2023, at her home on Titus Hill. She would be happy to be remembered as a “tough old bird.” Pearl was born in the middle of what would become Lake Francis in Pittsburg on August 2, 1932, the only child of Meddie and Alice (Goodchild) Beauchemin. She grew up in Clarksville where she sometimes rode Peter the pig to school. After 8th grade in Clarksville she attended high school in Pittsburg for two years before spending the final two years at Colebrook Academy, graduating in 1950. Her Colebrook classmates were lifelong friends. She met Alton “Merton” Porter when he was working with his dad at Porter and Sons garage in Colebrook. She stopped at the garage frequently to “top off” the gas tank and to get the windshield of her dad’s taxi cleaned. They discovered their home during an afternoon walk in the woods. When they saw it, Merton said, “How’d you like to live here?” They were married at the Trinity United Methodist Church on May 9, 1953, moved into the house on the hill, raised six active children, and spent 63 busy, happy, sometimes silly, rarely quiet years together there before Merton’s death in 2016. There was room in the little house on the hill for more than the family of eight. Pearl also cared for scores of cats and dogs and a fish or two. Her favorites were two long-haired cats, Fred and George, and a calico cat named Cali who was her constant companion for the last 8 years. Pearl was the leader of the Eagles 4-H club for many years. She was the driving force behind community projects, 4th of July floats, and group outings. She was mentor and instructor for club member projects in crafts, cooking, gardening, woodworking, sewing, and many other areas. Car loads of these projects were taken to the Lancaster Fair each September to be judged. For her work, Pearl earned several leadership awards and a trip to Washington, D.C. After her kids were older, she went back to work outside the home. She was as an aide to Mrs. Carolyn Covell and taught classes in Home Economics at Colebrook Academy. Her former students all remember the lessons she taught. She began what became a forty-year tradition of braiding the ribbons on the baton for the Senior Class Marshal. No matter how awful the class colors, the baton was ready for graduation. Pearl worked The Balsams Hotel, first in the dining room and later managing the gift shop. She finished her working years at Dora’s Boutique and The Old Appletree. Pearl filled the basement shelves in her home and the pantries of her children’s and friends’ homes with vegetables and pickles that she canned and jellies she made. She compiled several cookbooks and was a great baker. The bread, pies, cookies, and biscuits she made were a joy to eat. Holiday meals were great feasts and usually included multiple pies and other desserts. Pearl also loved crafting, making greeting cards, and creating Christmas ornaments. She enjoyed working in her gardens and piling up the rocks that were found everywhere she dug. She had no sympathy for anyone who said, “I have nothing to do.” Nothing made her happier than a visit with family or friends, except perhaps a jackpot from a slot machine or making a bid of “Oh, maybe four” in a game of Pitch. Pearl is survived by her six children: Ruth and her husband, Alain Bouchard (Epping, NH); Lloyd Porter and his wife, Nancy (Gorham, ME), Nathan Porter and his wife, Margaret (Newmarket, NH); Cindy and her husband, David Hicks (Colebrook); Mark Porter and his wife, Audra (Colebrook); Faith and her husband, Michael Angevine (Stewartstown); six grandchildren: David Hicks Jr. and his wife Sarah (Colebrook); Christopher Hicks (Colebrook); Kevin Porter and his wife Isabel Griffin (Atlanta, Ga.); Renee Bouchard and her partner Corey Jackson (Acton, ME); Eric Porter (Madison, WI); Thomas Bouchard and his partner Erica Raymond (Northwood, NH); three great-grandchildren: Carson and Jackson Hicks, and Wyatt Bouchard; sisters in-law: Lois (Porter) Smith (Newport, VT); Eva (Porter) and husband Terry Byard (Clarksville, TN); Sheila (Porter) and husband Keith Beauchemin (Colebrook); and many nieces, nephews, friends, and “adoptive” children. The family wishes to express their deep appreciation for the kindness and care given by Kelly Smith during Pearl’s final months. Calling hours will be on Saturday, July 8, 2023, from Noon to 2 p.m. at the Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook. A graveside interment service will immediately follow at 2 p.m. in the Colebrook Village Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Pearl may be made to a local charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook.

Pearl A. Porter

August 2, 1932 - June 30, 2023