Claire Mae Porter

Claire Mae Porter passed away in Tampa, Florida on Friday, May 5, 2023 at age 88. She was born in Willimantic, Connecticut on September 3, 1934 to her parents Alvin Gallagher and Clara Lombardo Gallagher. She grew up in Connecticut then lived in Virginia where she worked at the Medical College of Virginia as an assistant to several surgeons in the Neuro and Orthopedic Surgery departments for many years.

She is preceded in death by her husband, James Porter of Virginia, her daughter Susan Schuelke Ruffin of Virginia and her brother, Harry Gallagher of Louisiana.

Claire lived life to the fullest. She liked being on the go but was just as content to sit quietly and read a book, as she was an avid reader and member of several book clubs. Throughout her life, she enjoyed packing a suitcase and traveling the world with her beloved husband and friends. She was well versed in world history, literature, and cultures. Her destinations included Europe, Middle East, Antarctica, China, Canada and many US states.

She also had a passion for all types of delicious food but particularly sweets and desserts. She enjoyed dining in the company of her good friends and family. A favorite quote by Virginia Woolf was “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”

Claire was a life-long sports fan and passionate about baseball, football and hockey. When she moved to Florida in 2005, she became a Tampa Bay Lightning fan and regularly attended games. She was thrilled about the recent back-to-back Stanley Cup Championships.

She cherished her friends and family to include her pets, having many cats and dogs throughout her life. She has been described as feisty and fun, making sure to wear a bit of bling with each well-coordinated outfit.

She is survived by her son, Paul Schuelke and his wife Katherine of Glen Allen, VA, her daughter, Beth Schuelke Yankle and her husband Daniel of Tampa FL, and her son-in law, Julian Ruffin III of Providence Forge, VA. She is a loving grandmother to Rachel Ruffin Ashley and her husband Patrick and Julian Ruffin IV and his wife Sarah of Mechanicsville, VA. She is great grandmother to Hayden and Charlotte Ashley and Claire, Julian and Elizabeth Ruffin.

Claire’s enthusiastic spirit, sense of humor and love of family and friends will be deeply missed. Her favorite charities included Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation, St Jude’s Children’s Hospital and Disabled American Veterans. A Celebration of Life service will take place on Saturday, May 13, 2003 at 2:00pm at Blount and Curry Funeral Home at 605 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, Florida.