Mary Lynn Porter

Mary Lynn Porter, 85, of Springfield, died at 12:26 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2015 at Memorial Medical Center. Mary Lynn was born September 27, 1929 in Springfield, the daughter of Harry L. and Agnes M. Senger Lindsey. She married William L. Porter on October 9, 1948 in Springfield; he preceded her in death on September 21, 2009. William and Mary Lynn spent 23 years in Spring Park, MN. Mary Lynn graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in 1947 and earned her associate's degree from Lincoln Land Community College. She was a member of the American Contract Bridge League and enjoyed playing bridge, crocheting, reading, cross-stitch, gardening, and was an avid animal lover. She loved to learn and was often the first in the family to acquire and use the latest technology. Mary Lynn was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. She was known as Sunshine Grandma for not only the song she sang but the happiness she brought to everyone. She made friends wherever she went and lit up the room with her joyfulness, humor, and kindness. Her love of family and life will continue to live on in all who were fortunate to be a part of her life. She was also preceded in death by her parents; brother, Bernie Lindsey; and son-in-law, Mark Zahn. She is survived by her daughters, Belinda J. (Gregory Walburg) Porter of Urbana and Terry J. Porter Zahn of Austin, TX; sons, William H. (Nina Cohn) Porter of Chicago, Derek L. (Nancy W.) Porter of Roseville, CA, and Michael R. Porter (Kjem Thompson) of West St. Paul, MN; grandchildren, Eric Bates and Christa French, Daniel (Brigitte) Porter, Justin (Kaysea) Porter, Dean W. (fianc, Eleanor Nelson) Porter, and Mona A. Porter; four great-grandchildren, Jennifer French, Katelynn French, Aspen Porter, and Jace Porter; siblings, LaVerne Harvey of Springfield and Thomas (Paula) Lindsey of Danville, IN; and several nieces and nephews. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 13, 2015 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 5:00 p.m. Memorial Gathering and Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the ceremony at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at Concordia Village, 4101 W. Iles Ave., Springfield with Celebrant Judy Woerner officiating. Private burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: Concordia Scholarship Fund, 4101 W. Iles Ave., Springfield, IL 62711 or Memorial Medical Center Nursing Excellence Fund, 701 N. 1st St., Springfield, IL 62702.