Mabel L. Porter, 82, of East Springfield, PA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at Fairview Manor in Fairview, PA. She was born October 21, 1943, in Austinburg, OH, the daughter of Clarence and Marietta (Sibbrel) Hanneman.
Mabel graduated from Austinburg High School in 1961 and attended Kent State University for one year. She married her lifelong love, William “Bill” Porter, on May 16, 1963. An excellent cook, seamstress, and the ultimate homemaker, Mabel took great pride in caring for her home and family.
Mabel generously devoted countless hours to volunteering for various organizations and churches throughout her life. In particular, she was deeply committed to the Northwestern School District—first as a PTO member, then as an elected School Board member from 1978 to 1987, serving two terms as Board President. Mabel also served on the IU 5 board and was a dedicated Marching Band Booster parent, hosting picnics and supplying endless cups of hot chocolate during competitions.
In 1987, Mabel followed her passion for flowers and opened her own floral shop: The Classical Floral Works, on Peach St. in Erie, PA. She later relocated the business to a historic outbuilding at her homestead in East Springfield, allowing her to continue sharing her love of floral design while spending treasured time with her grandchildren. One of her greatest joys was babysitting her grandchildren and creating cherished memories on special day trips and adventures.
Mabel was a longtime, active member of the Springfield Women’s Club, where she formed friendships that lasted to her final days. She also enjoyed gardening, canning, bowling, fishing, and boating. A devoted traveler, Mabel and her husband, Bill, explored all 50 states and every Canadian province in their motorhome.
Survivors include her children: Scott W. (Crystal) Porter of Seeley Lake, MT; Kimberly (Bryan) O’Connor of Berwick, ME; and Russell A. (Christine) Porter of Cranesville, PA; grandchildren Thaddeus Porter, Chelsea Porter, Meghan O’Connor, Aidan O’Connor, Gabriella (Isaac) Merritt, and Cassandra Porter; great-grandchildren Eden and Emmet Merritt; sister Evelyn Eisenmann of Avon Lake, OH; and numerous cherished nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William “Bill” Porter; sister Mary Ellen Hanneman; and three brothers, Glen, George, and Ralph Hanneman.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Marcy Funeral Home, 208 Liberty St., Conneaut, OH. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Burial will follow in Springfield Cemetery.
Contributions may be made in Mabel’s memory to the Springfield Cemetery Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Light a candle or leave a memory at www.marcyfuneralhome.com.
Posted online on October 16, 2026
Published in Erie Times-News