Mary (Keyes) Porter passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, at the age of 79, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on September 4, 1946, in Platteville, Wisconsin, to Joseph J. Keyes and Lucille M. (Klein) Keyes, and grew up in Dubuque, Iowa. Mary married Gerald (Jerry) Porter on June 15, 1968. Together, they built a beautiful life rooted in love and unwavering devotion. They shared 49 years of marriage before Jerry’s passing in 2018.
Mary graduated from Wahlert High School in 1964, where she played the clarinet in the high school band. She continued her education at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, earning bachelor’s degrees in both mathematics and English education. While at UW–Platteville, Mary was a member of the National Honor Society for Educators, Kappa Delta Pi, and the Kappa Alpha Sigma sorority—and it was there that she met Jerry, the love of her life. She later went on to earn her master’s degree in school counseling from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater.
Mary devoted her professional life to teaching and serving students. She spent 25 years with the Mukwonago School District, first as a classroom teacher and later as a school counselor. Prior to her time in Mukwonago, she taught high school math and English in Hoffman Estates, Illinois; Dubuque, Iowa; and Alexandria, Virginia.
Mary’s faith in God was the foundation of how she lived her life. She was an active and devoted member of St. Mary’s Church, where she was a member of the Resurrection Choir. Mary enjoyed reading, traveling, playing golf, hosting weekly bridge clubs, and playing dominoes with friends. Her grandchildren maintain that she was quite an exceptional card and board game player.
One of Mary’s greatest joys in life was spending time with her beloved children and grandchildren. She took immense pride in supporting their athletic, academic, and creative pursuits. No one was a more dedicated supporter of her grandchildren than Mary.
Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jerry Porter, and her parents, Joseph and Lucille Keyes. She is survived by her loving children, Christina (Tom) Diener of Cedarburg, Ryan (Katie) Porter of Reedsburg, and Jeff (Andrea) Porter of Middleton; and her cherished grandchildren: John, Katie, and Clare Diener, Evalynn Porter, and Allison and Nathan Porter. She is also survived by numerous relatives and many dear friends who enriched her life.
Mary Porter will be deeply and forever missed.
Visitation will be held at St. Mary Catholic Faith Community Church, 9520 W. Forest Home Ave., on Saturday, February 21, from 9:30 to 11:00 am. A Funeral Mass will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Private burial will take place at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Hartson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.