Historical April–May 2006 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
It seems strange to think that she is gone.
She was the executive director of the SDCC for over 10 years.
She was the voice at the end of the line, the smiling face at community gatherings.
I first met Laure Porterfield when she interviewed for the SDCC job.
It was the end of a long, hot evening but we perked up at her infectious warmth and her love of neighborhoods.
We had her back for a second interview and she got the job.
Her husband’s family, the Schillers, have lived here for years. Their business was on Delmar. So, she knew a good deal about us when she started. But, she had a strong curiousity to learn every facet of the neighborhood and meet everyone in it.
She worked very hard and many of us probably didn’t know the multitude of health problems she had. Sometimes, she had trouble walking in the office. But, she never gave in and she fought until the very end.
She had a remarkable patience. I, and others, certainly were not always the easiest to deal with but she did not lose her temper with us.
She never held a grudge and she always spoke for the neighborhood and council.
There were many accomplishments during her tenure.
She created the lunch for police and firefighters.
She enhanced National Night Out.
She was there at every Rags to Riches. But, perhaps most of all, she took the time to speak with everyone who called or came by.
She made many feel very special.
I enjoyed chatting with her on every topic under the sun—especially cats.
She loved animals and left 3 cats behind.
Her funeral at St. Roch was filled with neighborhood people and with police officers who enjoyed her company and her constant assistance and appreciation.
She died too soon.
Her beloved daughter will not have her to guide her through the shoals of young adulthood.
She was a good person as her husband told me. Laure always wanted to see a drinking fountain at Four Corners; heaven knows there are enough children who could use it during their summer excursions to the playground.
The SDCC is collecting funds to build this in memory of Laure.
If you would want to contribute, you can send a check made out to the SDCC to 6008 Kingsbury. Say that it’s a thank you to Laure.
Original photograph caption
Laure Porterfield. Photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, April–May 2006.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2006_04.pdf, printed page(s) 3; PDF page(s) 3.
