Carolyn Kelley Porter, 81, died Thursday, June 17th at Valley Terrace Assisted Living facility in Hartford, Vermont. She was born January 16, 1940 in Woodsville, New Hampshire, the middle child of Carl S. and Linna V. Kelley. She lived her early years in Post Mills, Vermont, graduating from Thetford Academy in 1958. After graduating high school, Carolyn began work at Red Logan's Dental Office on Main Street in Hanover, New Hampshire. She loved working at the dental office and continued to do so until the late 1970s. Carolyn continued her interest in dentistry by creating a free dental clinic on the island of Bequia in the West Indies in the late 1980's.

On September 10, 1960, Carolyn married George Robert Porter of Norwich, Vermont, where they resided for nearly 30 years raising  two sons, Tim & Tom. She enthusiastically threw herself into their various activities. She was an innovative Cub Scout leader and hard working Hanover Swim team volunteer. During her sons' high school years, she was busy for two seasons as a "captain's mom" for the Marauder football team. Carolyn was also active in the annual fundraiser, Christmas in October, for Upper Valley Youth Services, serving as chairperson for a few years.

In 1978, Carolyn and George started GR Porter and Sons, Inc. custom builders, where she ran the office and took care of the company finances. In 1979, they purchased an additional business, The Crab Hole, a small retail clothing and silk screen printing business on the island of Bequia, West Indies. Carolyn slowly relinquished her duties at the family construction business to take responsibility for the expansion of her new retail and manufacturing career. George and Carolyn lived in Bequia until 2000, selling the store to purchase a home in Winter Haven, FL. At the same time, renovating their summer home on Lake Fairlee to serve as a more permanent family center.

During their retirement, Carolyn and George traveled extensively. They were proud members of Vermont's 251 Club. They made numerous trips across the US driving through all the lower 48 states and Alaska. Their trips took them to Canada and Mexico as well. Later they traveled extensively through Europe with friends and family using the Home Exchange Program. They made a special point to plan a unique trip for each grandchild on their 10th birthday.

Carolyn truly enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren at Lake Fairlee and Florida. The family considered her the best waterski instructor even though she never attempted the sport. Whenever she was with her grandchildren or friends, the card game, Shanghai, was sure to start, accompanied with large buffets of Peanut M&Ms, pink mints, Swedish Fish and hot fudge sundaes!

Carolyn was predeceased by her husband George in 2007. Survivors include her brother, Paul Kelley (Marylou) of Brownsville, VT, and Edward Kelley (Penney) of Ayer, MA. Also, her two sons, Tim (Lynn) Porter of Quechee, and Tom (Misty) of Norwich. She also leaves 6 grandchildren: Megan of Boston, MA, Kelsey Kalish (Andrew) of Greer, SC, Nick of Quechee, VT, Arianna (Ryan) of Boulder, CO, Joe of Burlington, VT and Max of Norwich, VT. Also, a great grandson, Jackson George Kalish of Greer, SC and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, August 5 ^th , 2021 at 2PM at the Post Mills Congregational Church in Post Mills, VT.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Red Logan Dental Clinic. Checks payable to Good Neighbor Health Clinic: PO Box 1250, White River Jct., VT 05001 or online @ goodneighborhealthclinic.org. Knight Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.