Jeanette H. Porrey

January 14, 1934 - August 24, 2021

Jeanette Helen "Jan" Porrey, age 87, of Waupaca, WI, passed away on Tuesday, August 24th, 2021 at Bethany Home in Waupaca. She was born in Chippewa Falls, WI on January 14, 1934, a daughter of the late Francis and Helen (Niesen) Martin. Jeanette married Kenneth Porrey on September 2, 1953 in Manawa, WI. He survives. Jan was a member of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Waupaca for 68 years. She was a member of the Lady's Sodality and taught catechism. Jan also sang in the church choir for over 20 years. Jan was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her family was undoubtedly the most important focus in her life. She never missed a card or gift for a special occasion. When you visited Jan, you were always greeted with a smile and you never left her house without a gift or a bag of goodies and a reminder to "Watch for deer" She loved to give to others and never asked for anything in return. One of Jan's greatest gifts was her ability to strike up a conversation. Within minutes of talking with a stranger she would know their life history and they would know hers. Her outgoing nature led her to be involved in many community activities. She was a founding member of the Waupaca Fine Arts Festival and was a member of their board of directors for over 50 years. She was a Community Chorus charter member since it was founded in 1964 and sang in all 55 performances. Jan was a member of the Rural Historical Society and served on the elections board for the Town of Dayton. ThedaCare Waupaca was lucky to have Jan as a faithful volunteer where she worked in the gift shop for over 15 years. Jan was an exceptional homemaker who also enjoyed a long working career in the Waupaca area. She spent 10 years with the Appleton Post Crescent working as circulation manager. She also worked many years for Walgreens and assisted in setting up their first store in Waupaca. Jan was a very talented decorator and dearly loved her home in Rural. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed making her home look special and inviting to all. She most enjoyed her time spent sitting on the front porch with Ken and her faithful companion, her dog Jake. Survivors include her Husband: Kenneth Porrey, Waupaca, WI; Sons: Michael (Betty) Porrey, Wausau, WI; John Porrey, Waupaca, WI; Peter (Jodi) Porrey, Greenville, WI; Grandchildren: Benjamin Porrey; Amanda Porrey; Andrew (Fiancé' - Stacey Rowl) Porrey; Aaron (Brenda) Porrey; Adam (Cassie) Porrey; Landen Porrey; Elizabeth Porrey; Joseph Porrey; 8 Great Grandchildren; Brother: James (Hilda) Martin; Sister: Joan (Leland) Koehler. She was preceded in death by her parents, one granddaughter - Megan Porrey, one great granddaughter - Rowan Porrey, a brother - Francis Martin and a sister - Bernadette Martin. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Waupaca at 11 AM on Monday, August 30th, 2021, with Father Xavier Santiago, officiating. Interment will be in St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Cemetery in Waupaca. Visitation will be held on Monday from 9 AM until the time of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Waupaca Fine Arts Festival or the Waupaca Humane Society.