Nancy Ellen Kirkhuff Porter passed away Tuesday 2/11/2020, peacefully, at her home in Garden Grove; she was 83. Born 1/15/1937 to John Lawrence Kirkhuff and Martha Ellen Van Cleve Kirkhuff of Nickerson, Kansas, she and her sister Barbara (Niesley, d. 12/27/2019) lived the typical childhoods of navy brats, growing up in various cities and towns across the country, eventually settling down in her birthplace of San Diego. She graduated from San Diego State University, where she met Jon Porter, whom she married 7/25/1959.
After a few years of working as a ‘computer’ in the aerospace boom, she welcomed two children, and in 1968, Nancy and Jon moved their young family to live in India for two years of unforgettable adventure while Jon served as a doctor in the Peace Corps. On their return, they continued to travel regularly, focusing especially on the wild places of the Western US. As the kids grew up, Nancy developed her interest in and obtained a degree in Archaeology, becoming a published expert on pre-Columbian Peruvian textiles and pottery.
A generous and outgoing spirit, and a voracious learner with wide interests, she continued to travel the world, seeking out new experiences and making friends along the way. She is survived by her husband Jon of 60 years, her son Kevin, daughter-in-law Maureen Mancuso, daughter Allison, son-in-law Vince Passanisi, and three beloved grandchildren: Sam, Ollie, and Jack Passanisi.
The family will hold a private service of remembrance, and ask that, in lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Nancy’s memory would consider donating to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (https://www.michaeljfox.org).
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18