November 15, 1922 to November 26, 2020
Life Memories
Harriet Donna (Bruins) Porter, 98, died peacefully November 26, surrounded by her loving family. Entering Heaven’s gates on one of her favorite holidays – Thanksgiving. She enjoyed life to the fullest, always smiling and sharing her joy with anyone that came in contact with her. The last eight years she could not physically do everything she or her mind wanted to, yet that did not slow her spirit and enthusiasm.
Harriet was born in Holland, Minnesota on November 15, 1922. She was the fifth child of Aldred Van Witchell and Hendrikie “Hattie” Bruins. She had two older brothers (John William “Bill” and Benjamin “Ben” Mouw), two older sisters (Ellen Marie and Marie Henrietta) and one younger brother (Alvin “Bud” Peter). Harriet was born with her father helping at the home he had built in 1921. In those days’ women spent ten days in bed after the birth of a baby. Harriet’s mom did not, according to her older sister who said, “Mom was up and about on the third day”. Everyone always wants to know how their families came to America: Harriet’s grandfather, Hendrik and Hendrika Van Wechel Bruins) immigrated from Twello, Gelderland, Netherlands in July of 1847 to Alto, Wisconsin. Her grandmother later moved to Sioux Center, Iowa.
In March 1929, when Harriet was six years old, the family moved from Holland, Minnesota to Orange City, Iowa where she spent her childhood. Aldred did carpenter work around Orange City, often far enough away so that he would stay the week and come home on the weekends. Harriet tells the story of one night while Dad was away, they heard the piano keys being played in the middle of the night. When Mom Hattie got up to see what was going on, the fox terrier dog had gotten up on keyboard and walked up and down the keys to look outside the window. They lived out in the country in a small house during this time, the dog must have seen a car coming up the road and it was Dad. From that night on Hattie made sure to close the top every night. Harriet rode bus into school and was teased because she wore long black bloomer pants which Hattie sewed pockets into for her handkerchief so she didn’t lose it. Harriet went to kindergarten and elementary school in Iowa. About a year later (Harriet 8 or 9) when Hattie again received a small inheritance, they purchased a two-story home in the town of Orange City. This home was located a few blocks from the county courthouse and Aldred often walked to the courthouse on winter mornings and used their bathroom since the family home did not have indoor facilities. The house was at the back of the First Christian Reformed Church property. The Reverend lived right across the alley from the home, but never spoke to the Bruins because they went to the Second Christian Reformed Church. The First Christian Reformed Church had a horse barn right next to the Bruin’s house for the people that came to church with horse and buggy. The community kids rode their horses into town for school and would stable them for the day in the horse barn. Hattie, Harriet’s mother,
was always helping the old people of the neighborhood with medicine, supplies, and meals (now we know where Harriet learned her gift of hospitality). Aldred continued to do carpenter work in the summertime, the winter was difficult, there was not much building work to be done. In the wintertime, Hattie would go out and do midwife work for large families, sometimes 8-10 children. Aldred would take care of Harriet and Bud, since the rest of the children were married or lived away from home. Harriet stated they went to church at least twice on Sunday and sometimes three times (am, noon and night)
After the Depression in 1936, there was no work available in the Orange City area, the Bruins family then moved to Long Beach, CA. Harriet was a teenager at this time. Aldred had heard carpenter work was available, and soon started building homes and schools. Their early years in California were spent living in apartments. Aldred purchased a 1935 Ford, Harriet thought it was really nice after riding in their old (camel-back) Model T Ford. The family lived near Bixby Park, one block from the ocean. Aldred would often walk the kids down to the ocean and sit on the sea wall, reading while the kids played on the beach. Later the Bruins moved to the north part of Long Beach and Hattie managed duplexes, keeping them clean, rented, and washing clothes by hand in the bath tub, to help the family out financially. The Bruins lived in downstairs apartment on Fifteenth Street in Long Beach, while brother Bill’s family lived in the upstairs apartment. Aldred worked on many of the schools because they had been destroyed in the 1933 earthquake.
In 1938 the Bruins family moved to Artesia, CA living with a rather old widower and his six-year old daughter. Hattie acted as housekeeper. Harriet (16 yrs old) started her second year at Excelsior High School. That same year, Harriet meet her lifetime sweetheart, Johnny and they dated for six months. Their first meeting, John and Harriet were on a double date, not with each other. Harriet was out with John’s cousin and later Johnny started calling. During the same year, Harriet’s sister Marie and husband John, came to visit and Harriet returned to Iowa to live with them for the winter. Missing the California sunshine, they all returned within a year.
In 1940 the Bruins family moved to Bellflower where Aldred purchased a lot at 9335 Oaks Street. Aldred had built a garage first with a shower and toilet. The family live in the garage and a bunk house (which was a converted chicken house that was already on the lot) while the new home was being built. Aldred was working at the ship yard for a time during WWII. Hattie loved flowers and had a beautiful and well-kept yard. Harriet just kept chasing Johnny, if John tells the story. However, Harriet states she had given up on him because he did not write while she was in Iowa even though she sent her address. After her return, Johnny looked her up at the place she was working and they began to date again. Johnny was working on a dairy milking split shift twice a day. Harriet did housework for $4 a week, for a couple and their two children, at the time she was only 17 years old.
John & Harriet were married at Harriet’s sister Marie’s house on John’s birthday, July 19th, 1940 in Bellflower. Their parents, brothers and sisters were present for the ceremony by Rev. Gareth Kok. The wedding reception was at the Bellflower Women’s Club on the corner of Oak and Clark Streets, with about 250 guests. There are many stories regarding their wedding day: John had no money at all for the marriage license, so Harriet paid the $2 (she still had the receipt). Both set of parents had to sign for the marriage certificate because John and Harriet were underage. At that time males had to be 21yrs old and females 18yrs old to get married. On their wedding day Johnny was late, he had been out with his buddy all night long. John’s mom was very nervous and some of the other ladies started to cry. Harriet just got mad when he was not there on time, at least an hour late, the wedding was planned for 6 o’clock in the evening. As it turned out John really was not late, the ceremony could not start, because the preacher was delayed due to a death in the congregation. Harriet does not remember a wedding cake. People did not have lots of money and her parents were putting everything into the new house. Harriet’s sisters made a lot of breads, salads, broches (white potato rolls) with ham and cheese. John’s dad provided beer for everyone, he said it was a must.
John was working on a dairy and Harriet, a new housewife, was ready to start a family. They rented a small house on Oak Street for $18/month, but only lived there a short time. When Johnny took a job at the Goedhart’s dairy, they moved to Artesia, by the icehouse on Pioneer Blvd, to be closer to his work. John & Harriet spent lots of time with John’s parents and sister. On Sunday afternoons, Harriet
would go and visit with her parents while Johnny milked. The next move was a house on 183rd Street in Artesia. This is where their first baby was born, a boy that died in the process of birth with the cord wrapped around his neck. During this time Harriet, worked in a marmalade factory and took in boarders that were milkers for $30/month. Harriet had to wash for them, being milkers she talked of how their clothes stunk. She did all the cleaning, cooked 3 meals, washed, ironed including socks, mended, etc. The milkers only made $60/month. John and Harriet soon moved to Walnut Street a brand new 2-bedroom home. Stanley, their second child, was born in July 1942. Stan was born at home with Harriet’s mom, John’s mom, and Johnny all helping Dr. La Barge to see that everything went right this time. Stan was a big healthy boy when he arrived, not much has changed through the years. At this time Johnny was working in the shipyards, on the graveyard shift. He was there only a few days when promoted to lead man over a crew of stage riggers. John bought a Plymouth car that went back and forth from Artesia to the shipyards on Terminal Island all three shifts, used by six different men each shift. There was gas rationing because of the war, as well as sugar, meat, shoes, etc. Johnny worked for the shipyards until the spring of 1944 when he bought a dairy from his uncle, Gerrit Porte. The dairy was sold in 1945 and the Porter’s moved to a small house on 183rd Street. It was here their first daughter, Mary Ann was born on September 16, 1945 at the Fullerton Hospital. Harriet’s sister, Marie, came and stayed a few nights when they arrived home as Johnny was out of town. Johnny’s mom came and bathed Mary Ann each morning. Mary Ann was a fast learner, at 10 months she was riding the tricycle. Sometimes she rode several blocks to Aunt Marie’s house for treats.
Soon John bought a bigger dairy and the Porter family moved on to it. The did not live there very long when Johnny thought he ought to sell it as it was hard to get milkers. All the young men were in the military service or working in the defense plants. The family then moved to a house on Palm Street in Bellflower that was purchased from the individual the dairy was sold to. Shortly after, a realtor came by and asked if house was for sell. $9,000 later John and Harriet bought a vacant lot on Arkansas Street in Bellflower. Johnny and brother, Bud built a garage which the family moved into until the home was finished. It was while living in this new house that Robert Gene was born on January 14, 1949, at the Artesia hospital. Johnny sold that home and built one on the lot next door for the family to live in. He also built a house on a corner lot and some homes for other people. During this time Johnny built a small trailer for the family to go on camping trips.
While living on Arkansas Street, the kids would sneak off to Aunt Marie and Uncle Johnny Thomassen’s, who lived a few blocks away. Aunt Marie used to make whatever they asked for; fried chicken, cookies, brownies or whatever their young hearts desired. On one occasion, Bob left the house at five o’clock in the morning in his pajamas, walking down Bellflower Blvd., when a family friends son spotted him while on his paper route and called the police. The police went up and down the streets looking for the Porter home, but Bob couldn’t talk as yet, he just pointed. Finally, one of the neighbors recognized Bob and his dog and told the police where he lived. Apparently, Johnny had left for work and Bob followed him out of the house.
Later, Johnny built a house on Virginia Street just a short distance from grandma and grandpa Bruins. Bob would put his dog in the doll carriage and go to grandma’s for coffee (mostly milk) and Dutch Rusk spread with butter and sugar. Almost every weekend the kids would go to Seal Beach with their aunts and uncles to play in the ocean.
Johnny went to work as a foreman on the Verhoeven dairy, so the family sold their home on Virginia Street and moved to a rental house on Compton Blvd. John and Harriet’s youngest daughter, Ruth Lynn was born on December 28, 1953 at Artesia Hospital. The Porter’s lived in this house while Johnny built another home on Grand Avenue, it was a nice home according to Harriet. Later Johnny built three rentals on the rest of the property. Harriet really liked this home and thought she would retire there, however plans were changed again. After graduating from Bellflower High School, their oldest son, Stan went into the Air Force on November 13, 1960. Stan was stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi. Harriet stated their trip to visit Stan was one of the nicest they had by themselves. All other vacations had included the children on camping trips and etc.
Through the years as the children were growing up, the family did a lot of camping to the mountains and beaches with all the uncles, aunts and cousins. Everyone had a trailer of one kind or another. Johnny built their first little trailer. He had a canvas room made on the outside in which four army cots would fit and the children always preferred to sleep there. The Porters, often camped at Sycamore Campground on Little Rock Creek outside of Los Angeles. One time, the tent poles were forgotten and the tents had to be tied up in the tree. On one occasion, Aunt Marie made spaghetti for dinner, which started as a medium sized pan and progressed to a dishpan full. The family would often spend 6 weeks during the summer in Ensenada, Mexico at Hussongs Campground. The children loved this place, swimming in the pool or in the ocean, playing on the huge rocks, renting burros to ride around on, and spending hours shopping uptown. Johnny loved to go deep sea fishing out of Ensenda Bay and the children went with him often. One time Harriet’s dad, Aldred joined them on an Ensenada camping trip. Grandpa Aldred and Bob, decided to go to town on the bus. On the way home they took the wrong bus and it took them all over Ensenda; Aldred really enjoyed that. Aldred had taken Spanish at night school for several years. He hoped that he could communicate with the Mexican people, be it was a different accent and they used so many slang words that it was difficult. He could catch only a word now and then. Grandpa Aldred and Bob finally made their way back to camp late in the day.
When the Porters lived in Bellflower, they attended the Bethel Reformed Church. Johnny was a deacon and was on the building committee of the new church. The family was very active in this church.
In 1961, John was left without a job, due to the Verhoeven dairy being sold to build a mobile home park. Johnny, heard of a foreman position for a local dairy in Hanford, CA. So once again the Porter family moved in May, 1961. This time it was to the country, seven miles south of Hanford. Harriet had never lived in the country before this and it was really a new experience. Harriet worked as a City Hostess. Bob, Mary Ann and Ruth all attended school in Hanford. There was no Reformed church locally, so the family attend the Presbyterian Church, first in Hanford and then Corcoran.
In July 1962, they rented a dairy in Corcoran, driving back and forth from Hanford twice a day for milking. Bob and Ruth helped out a lot at this time. 1963 was a busy year, with Mary Anne graduating high school, and three weddings. In July, John’s mother married Joe Verhoeven. On August 11, 1963, Stan married Sharron Anne Cooper. On November 16, 1963 Mary Anne married Larry McCann (who was at Lemoore Naval Station) and settled in Billings, Montana. March 1964, their first grandchild, Michelle was born. Soon to John and Harriet’s delight their eldest son, Stan moved to Corcoran, CA with his wife and first grandchild. November 1964, John & Harriet moved to Corcoran, buying the dairy, and rented a chicken ranch and store to Stan. Harriet worked at the store and helped gather eggs. Harriet was always busy with family and consistently volunteered at the Corcoran Garden Club and Presbyterian Church. In 1966, Robert “Bob” went into the service. Many grandchildren blessed John & Harriet’s life over the year Michelle, Robert, Curtiss, Marvin, Tamara, Chris, Bryan and Tina.
In 1972, John & Harriet sold the dairy to retire in Rosarita, Mexico ready for the easy life, sitting back and enjoy their favorite pastime fishing. Many stories were told of Harriett being a better fisherman than the guys, out fishing them many times. In that same year they moved back to California, making their home in Visalia purchasing a single wide mobile home in Mooney Grove Park. There are many memories of holidays, birthdays and gathering at the park with all the family. While living in Visalia John drove grain feed trucks. In 1975, another move to a double wide mobile home at the Royal Palms Mobile Park in Tulare. John went to work for Western Consumers as a salesman in 1979 till his 2nd retirement in November 1984. There is an old saying “A woman’s place is in the home”, so this is where you would find Harriet, planning family gatherings, hosting family meals, doing church work and what every grandmothers do best, baking and spoiling their grandchildren. While living in Visalia and Tulare, John and Harriet were charter members of Tulare Community Reformed Church. Johnny help build the church that was completed in 1981.
In 1987 while RVing in the Nipomo area John and Harriet were tired of the heat in the Central Valley and decided to make Nipomo their home for the next 24 years till 2011. Still enjoying fishing trips and more traveling, life was full of adventure. For 3 months each summer they lived in Crescent City, salmon fishing with family and friends until 2000. John and Harriet loved to travel with family, friends
and church family. Harriet kept a diary of their travels including trips to the Caribbean, Texas, Alaska, Mexico, and Branson, just to name a few, the stories those pages can tell.
John and Harriet joined Nipomo Community Presbyterian Church on March 19, 1989. Harriet is best known, where ever she lived as being extremely involved in her church community; serving as Sunday school teacher, nursery, deacon, greeter, prayer group, kitchen fellowship, women’s guild, fundraising (bake sales/garage sales/silent auctions/quilt raffles), bowling team, bible study, travel groups and choir. Church service has been a way of life for Harriet. Once again, John and Harriet were involved in starting and building a new church, this time the Nipomo Community Presbyterian Church. Harriet was always busy at home cooking, playing cards, spoiling grandchildren, neighborhood kids or church children, talking with others that may be alone, shopping (she had to take a daily trip to some store) or at the church. Harriet assisted anyone that asked with a smile and a hug.
In 2011 John and Harriet sold their home in Nipomo and moved to Pahrump, Nevada to be close to the eldest son, Stan. After John’s death in 2012, Harriet returned to the Central Valley of California in 2014, lovingly cared for by the staff at TLC in Visalia. While in Visalia, she was visited by family and friends regularly, especially on holidays and always for her birthday. She would light up and smile every time someone walked in. Asking “how did you find me?”, “are you taking me home?”, “do you want something to eat?” “are you hungry?” and “are you married?” She particularly loved her birthday celebrations when everyone gathered to honor her, especially her nephew-in-law Corry, she could not take her eyes off him, winking and smiling. Harriet would talk with all the other resident’s family, they would consistently make comments of how sweet, funny and adorable Harriet was. She would make you laugh with many of her comments and stories. During 2020, 2-3 times a week family could talk with her via Facetime due to the COVID pandemic. Her 98th birthday was held with social distancing and zoom. She was able to see children, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends. Harriet became quieter during the final year; however, she would always smile, tell you she loved you and blow kisses. Always the loving, tender heart everyone remembered her for.
Harriet was ever cheerful, thoughtful and positive. She possessed an infectious enthusiasm for life. She was always there with support and assistance for family, friends, and acquaintances at any time, with a helping hand, a word of advice or bible verse to guide you. Harriet did not know a stranger and everyone got a hug. She was the official hugger at Nipomo Community Presbyterian Church. If you have ever gotten a card from Harriet it always closed with “God Loves You and So Do We!”
Her happiest times were around family and friends. You could never visit without getting lots of hugs and plenty of food, along with to-go package as you left. Active till her final days she lived for telling stories and feeding others. Harriet’s twinkle in her eye, warm smile and playful energy will be remembered by all who knew her.
Three of John and Harriet’s children are still living. She had 8 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren at the time of Harriet’s death.
Harriet is survived by her children Stanley John Porter of Pahrump, NV, Mary Ann McCann of Santa Paula, CA, and Ruth Lynn Porter of Ivanhoe, CA; grandchildren Michelle Porter, Robert McCann, Curtiss Porter, Marvin McCann, Tamara Porter, Christopher Porter, Tina Post and Nicholas Porter; great-grandchildren Keith Taylor, Ryan McCann, John Harley Porter, Jonathon Porter, Zachery Rummerfield, Joshua Porter, Elyse McCann, Jacklynn Porter, Macey McCann, Tyler Post, Cole McCann, Jordan Porter, and Dylan Post; great-great-grandchildren Dominic and Phoenix Taylor. Grandchildren and great grandchildren by marriage: Shawn Porter and Meredith Black. Carli Losey, Samuel Gonzales, Michael Porter, Samantha Porter, Konner Black, Navia Black, Mei Yu, Brandon, and Darren Porter. Harriet was preceded in death by her 5 sisters and brothers, her husband-John Porter, her son-Robert Porter and grandson-Bryan Porter.
A zoom Graveside Memorial Service and Celebration of Harriet’s Life will be held on Friday, December 4, 2020. Final resting place will be Los Osos Valley Memorial Park, Los Osos, CA under the shade tree with Johnny.
The Porter Family would like to thank the TLC Assisted Living staff in Visalia for their devotion and loving care of Harriet over the last 6 years. She considered every one of you family and you each treated her like your own grandmother. She kept you laughing and you constantly adored her in return. Thanks for loving her so much! Optimal Hospice Care thanks for your support and care over the last year, you were always there to lift Harriet’s spirts, spend time with her and ensure she had the best transition to her Heavenly Father. Thanks for the wonderful work you do.
Please sign guest book, watch video memories and leave comments to family at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/9928198
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:
Nipomo Community Presbyterian Church (www.nipomopresbyterian.org 805-473-8059) or Optimal Hospice Foundation (www.optimalhospicefoundation.com 559-334-5120).
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