Obituary: Joan Brown Porter, 1930 - 2024

Joan Brown Porter, 94, of Siasconset, MA, and New Canaan, CT, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2024, with her daughter, grandson, her beloved caregiver, and other aide by her side. Joan was born on April 14, 1930, in New York City to Jean and Jim Brown. She was a loving wife to Donald Arthur Porter, a devoted mother to two children, Debbee and Lori, and a cherished grandmother to one grandson, Porter.

Joan’s love for Nantucket stemmed from a long family history of summering on the island. Starting with her paternal and maternal grandparents, her parents continued the tradition of enjoying summers at their home away from home. Joan instilled that same love in her daughters and grandson.

Joan was very involved in the Junior League of Fairfield County, the Siasconset Civic Association, the Siasconset Union Chapel, and the Siasconset Casino. For many years, she maintained the beautiful flowers surrounding the flagpole at the ‘Sconset Rotary, the Post Office, and the Old Pump. In her younger years, she helped with the Casino’s production of “On the Isle,” where she acted, helped with the costumes and production, and assisted with the Children’s Masquerade. She continued to help coordinate the annual rummage sale until later in her years and also developed and ran a “Bike Safety” program for children for many years. She loved gardening and the gardens around her home were always flourishing and vibrant. Joan loved working with her hands and stitching beautiful needlepoint. She later developed a passion for weaving Nantucket Lightship Baskets and, working with a local artisan, began to mend baskets and finally make her own.

Known as Mom, Portie, Grand-P, and Ma-P, Joan is survived by her daughters, Debbee and Lori; their husbands, Orlan and Charley; her grandson, Porter; and many close friends who consider her family. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Joan’s care team, especially her beloved caregiver and true friend, Clover.

A celebration of Joan’s life will be held at the Siasconset Union Chapel on July 27, 2025, at 3 p.m. Joan will be interred in the columbarium alongside her husband. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to either the ‘Sconset Trust, the ‘Sconset Union Chapel, the American Heart Association, or the Alzheimer’s Association.