Irene Porter, 94, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of September 22, 2023.  After having lived a long life of independence, her final months were spent in the loving care of her children.

Irene Regina Lillian Fassnacht was born on May 14, 1929 to Rufus and Esther Fassnacht. Irene was one of 15 children, and grew up on her parents' farm in Randolph, Ohio. She attended St. Joseph Catholic school and upon graduation from Randolph High School, she worked at Enduro Rubber until marrying James Porter from Ravenna.

James and Irene had 5 children, and Irene devoted her life to her family. She managed to care for her husband and children while handling the daily tasks of laundry, ironing, sewing, cooking, cleaning, baking, and canning, without many of our modern conveniences. On most weekends, Jim and Irene took their family and spent time on her parents' farm, helping to plant or harvest crops, or play a few hands of euchre.

Irene was a resourceful, creative woman who loved birds and puzzles. She drew pictures on lunch bags, sewed homecoming dresses, and made holidays special with her traditional recipes. Irene learned to paint ceramics, and created beautiful pieces that she gave as gifts. She was a Sudoku master and a formidable euchre opponent. A visit with her at home might likely include some good food and good conversation while helping with the latest jigsaw puzzle on the dining table. In her later years, Irene was given her own tablet so she could enjoy playing solitaire whenever she wanted. Irene could transform a Christmas present into a work of art with her homemade bows and tags. While she never spent much time in front of the tv, she did enjoy matching wits with contestants on game shows and she wouldn't turn down an invite to see Neil Diamond in The Jazz Singer.

Irene is survived by her daughters Patty Kilpatrick(Tom), Janice Porter, and Cheryl Brode (Brad), all of Canton, and son Jim, of Ravenna. Irene is also survived by her 7 grandchildren Heather Ribich (Ken), Michelle Miller (Kurt), Brittany Brode, Chelsea Brown (Allan), Seth Porter, Quinn Porter (Emily), and Cambria Porter, as well as 6 great-grandchildren Lilly and Joselynn Miller, Hannah Ribich, Levi Brown, and Ellie and Piper Porter.

She is preceded in death by her husband, James, and son, Kenneth.

We will miss you greatly - thank you Mom/Grandma for all your care, love, and support. We're grateful for all the ways you sacrificed and asked nothing in return, and for all the ways you took the smallest acts and made them lasting memories. Until we see you again, you will always be in our hearts.

We would like to express our thanks and gratitude to everyone from Aultman Hospice who helped us in the care of our mom - especially Dr Marsh, Dr Hanne, Michelle and Gayle.

Private services have been arranged. Please sign the tribute page.