Muriel E. Porter

Muriel Elaine (Brown) Porter, a longtime resident of New Pond Village in Walpole, but formerly of Dedham, died Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at the Ellis Nursing Home, in Norwood. She was 89. Muriel was born May 22, 1933 in Boston, Massachusetts, the daughter of Francis Herman and Grace F. (Johnson) Brown. She graduated from Roslindale High School with the Class of 1950 and from Boston State Teacher’s College. Muriel taught second grade at the Riverdale School in Dedham for several years and also taught flute lessons to private students. In 1950, she joined the Parkway Concert Orchestra, where she met her future husband, and for many years sat first chair in the flute section. She also served the orchestra as their Secretary and Public Relations Coordinator. On June 25, 1955 Muriel married William Wendell Porter Jr. with whom she spent 54 years as husband and wife. Together they encouraged many young musicians and soloists to pursue careers and avocations, especially in community orchestras, in the musical field. Muriel was a longtime member of the Allin Congregational Church in Dedham where she served as the representative to Church Women United, as the Benevolence Committee Chairman, a Deaconess, and a member of the R.E. Committee. She also enjoyed playing bridge with her many friends at New Pond Village. Muriel was the beloved wife of William “Bill” Porter who predeceased her in 2009, and the sister of the late Wayne F. Brown. She is survived by her two cherished daughters and their adored husbands; Joyce E. McFarland, and her husband Gary, of South Yarmouth, and Virginia Barry, and her husband Jim, of Walpole; her four wonderful grandchildren, Andrew William McFarland, and his wife Leah, Matthew Robert McFarland, Sean James Barry, and his wife Taylor, and Meredith Lee Barry; her two adored great grandchildren, Graham and Albie Barry; as well as her beloved brother-in-law, Laurence Porter. Services and interment in the Gardens at Gethsemane Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers donations to the Allin Congregational Church, 683 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026 or to the Parkway Concert Orchestra, PO Box 1025, Dedham, MA 02027 would be appreciated