Margaret Porter

Margaret C. Porter, age 99, of Media, PA, formerly of Springfield, PA, passed away peacefully on December 4, 2020.

A native of Philadelphia, Margaret Porter was born and raised in West Philadelphia, and spent over 64 years in St. Cathage Parish. She attended the West Philadelphia Catholic Girls’ High School and graduated on June 8, 1940.  At West Catholic, she was an Honor Student, Class Representative, a member of the Reaper Staff, Student Council, President of the Chemistry Club, Latin Club and a member of the Debating Team.  Following graduation, she enrolled at Banks Business College and received her diploma in the Business Program on March 26, 1941.

Her working career for a few short months began in a law firm and then moved on to Sears and Roebuck. On January 8, 1942, Miss Porter commenced her Civil Service Career with the Federal Government at the U.S. Naval Base in Philadelphia where she completed 54 years of service retiring on January 31, 1996. Her assignments during her 54 years of government service with the Navy Department began with a GS-1 clerical position and she worked her way through the ranks to that of a GM-14 filling the billet of a U.S. Navy Captain.

As Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, she provided the quintessential operational and logistic support for the U.S. Navy and Foreign Ship Visit Program, the Emergency Preparedness and Coastal Defense Planning Programs encompassing ten states along the Eastern Seaboard. For the Delaware Valley region, she arranged for the International Transfer of Naval Vessels, Key Presidential Visits to the Naval Base and City of Philadelphia Celebrations.

Margaret was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish.  Since 1940 she had been an active member of the West Philadelphia Catholic Girls’ High School Alumnae Association participating actively in raising monies for Catholic Education. She served three terms as President and held every office in the Association. She also contributed her time and services to many charitable causes including working for the Holy Family Home, Little Sisters of the Poor.

Her awards include the Department of the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Medal, the Department of the Navy Superior Civilian Service Medal, and the Department of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal. She was named to the First Hall of Fame for women who graduated from the West Philadelphia Catholic Girls’ High School. Member of the Holy Family Guild, Little Sisters of the Poor; Member of the Archdiocesan Alumnae/Alumni Council; Member of the Philadelphia Catholic High School Development Board.

Relatives and friends are invited to her Funeral Mass on Friday, December 11, 2020 at 10:30 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 136 Saxer Avenue, Springfield, PA. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon, PA.

Masks are to be worn to the Funeral Mass and Cemetery.   Social distancing is to be observed.

Contributions in Margaret's name to the West Catholic Girls High School Alumnae Association, P.O. Box 805, Broomall, PA 19008 would be appreciated.