Gwen G. "Gg" Porter-Thomas-Boyd

Lansing, Michigan

Gwen Porter Boyd was a trusting, accepting and funny woman. Born the eldest of seven children in 1929 to Harold and Olga Porter, she lived most of her life in Lansing, where she was a secretary, housewife, hospital volunteer, mother and a curious soul. She passed away at Sparrow Hospice Services on January 23, 2013 after a short stay.

She had a strong drive to persevere and to expand her mind. She loved to read, whether it was fiction or something about history. Her favorite novel was Ayn Rand's “Fountainhead.” Perhaps it's no surprise, then, that she hung on to her independence as long as she could, and maintained as much of it as she could in her later years.

Always a positive person, she often called the ones she loved “precious,” which was sometimes an adjective, but more often just a name, like someone might use “Sweetie.” Though she had opinions and would express them, the discussion never ended in acrimony.

Gwen has two children from her first marriage, to Harris Thomas, who died in 1970 – April Thomas-DeJongh, of Billings, Mont., and John Thomas, of Aurora, Colo.

When she married Douglas Boyd in 1992 she had found her second love. They shared retired life, cooperated on the crossword and took care of their dog, Toby. She became a stepmother to Judy Corr, Linda Thompson, Nancy West, Stephanie LaValley and Douglas Boyd Jr.

Gwen is survived by her husband, her children, and siblings Thelma Hadden, Harold, Charles and Betty Jean Porter, and Sandra Eldred. Her brother Ron Porter preceded her in death.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, January 27, 11:00 a.m. at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing with the Rev. Dr. Harold G. Porter officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:30-11:00 a.m. prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made in Gwen’s memory to Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, PO Box 30480, Lansing, MI 48909-9986. On line condolences may be made at www.greastlansing.com