Darlene Sandra Porter

Darlene Sandra Porter, only 67, died on March 12, 2024. She passed away due to her failing lungs after fighting off back-to-back cases of pneumonia over six months.

Darlene was born October 2, 1956, in Toronto, to Joan and David Porter; their third and youngest child.

She lived in several cities over the years, some of her favorites were Tottenham and Orillia where her children grew up and went to school. Most recently she had been living in Wasaga Beach where she loved to sit by the water and listen to the waves.

The job she most often talked about was her time at Eaton’s research bureau, where she tested everything from pens and toys to barbeques and sofas. Only leaving the job due to injury.

Darlene became a proud Catholic after going through the RCIA program in Tottenham where she met long time friend Connie and remained active in the church until moving to Orillia.

Darlene was a bit of a free spirit enjoying fantasy and science fiction and it was common to find Tinkerbell in her décor and maybe even a few dragons. She was an avid animal lover and through the years looked after a variety of pets; from cats, dogs, ferrets, rabbits, rats and hamsters to even more exotic snakes, several types of lizards and even a hedgehog. She grew up wanting to be a veterinarian; sadly, she never would achieve that goal, but would be one of the first people you would call with an animal related concern.

Darlene could be very stubborn and opinionated at times, as well as strong willed. Showcasing that strong will and perhaps even her stubbornness when she blew three discs in her spine and refused to let it hold her back. Even after operations they weren’t sure she would walk again, but she pushed though the constant pain and eventually did. Years later the pain, nerve damage and fibromyalgia would cause her to become confined to bed for a time, but again she pushed through it and would walk again till nearly her last days on earth.

Darlene was also very kind and caring and would do anything for her children and grandchildren. She spent many a summer at the beach with her family and later weekend sleepovers, even when it required a few days after to recoup from the extra back pain.

Those she left behind include her daughters Sandra-Dawn, Jo-Anne (spouse Bryan), stepdaughter Kym (though she only thought of her as a daughter) and her adopted daughter Laura, as well as her son Damian (partner Jennifer). Her grandchildren Kody, Nikolas, Alyssa, Kalina, Shayla, Hunter, Willow, Mayah, Logan, Grace and Matthew. And her great grandchildren Lukas and Ozzy. As well as her beloved companion Pika. Those she went to meet in heaven are her parents Joan and David, her separated husband William and grandchild Wynter Angel, as well as several dear pets.

And although she will never get to go to Ireland or be there for many of her family’s upcoming life events in person; she is no longer in pain and will watch over everyone in spirit.

Darlene wasn’t a big fan of funerals and as such we are going to have just a celebration of her life. The tentative plans are to have a picnic like celebration during this years Scottish Festival in Orillia (July 2024), since it was one of her favorite events of the year. However, nothing has been confirmed at this point. Relatives and friends are welcome, if you wish for more details, please email SD.Poidevin@outlook.com and Sandra will ensure you are updated as plans are made.

If you wish to give memorial contributions, please again just contact SD.Poidevin@outlook.com or make a donation to your local animal shelter in Darlene’s name.

The family would like to thank the men and women of the ICU unit in RVH for their efforts in making Darlene as comfortable as possible during her time in their care and Peaceful Transition for their help and support.