Laura Shail Porter, 90, of Haddam passed away peacefully on Saturday March 16, 2024, at the Middlesex Hospital. Laura was predeceased just weeks ago by her beloved husband and devoted partner of more than 68 years, Gene Wyman Porter.

She was born in Danbury, CT, daughter of the late John Howard and Lois Babbitt (Staib) Shail. She grew up in Middletown, CT but spent most of her life in Haddam.

After graduating from Middletown High School, Laura's interest in nursing led her to the Newington Children's Hospital, where she began a lifelong pursuit of nurturing and protecting children. She later worked as a dental assistant, a job that would have a significant impact on her life because it is where she met Gene. Early in her marriage, and often with two children in tow, Laura worked at Keser's Flower shop in Middletown. It was her extraordinary artistry in arranging flowers that brought her pride and considerable acclaim. Eventually, Laura and Gene began their own floral business in Haddam which they ran for many years.

Laura was a fervent and extraordinary mother, somehow juggling all of the traditional tasks associated with "raising a family." She was creative in every aspect of her existence: sewing, decorating, gardening, cooking, constructing, and renovating. She could turn a simple family camping trip into a "Taj Mahal" experience.

She eventually combined her love of children and her artistic skills to become adored and respected for decades as a teacher's aide at Haddam Elementary School. It was at HES where Laura's talents blossomed! Every hallway bore evidence of her magical and creative talents. Every child she met benefited from her caring and supportive guidance, whether reading to a class, working one on one, fixing Santa's suit, or helping to make costumes for a school play. Every colleague turned to her for help with their most challenging projects and celebrations. After retiring in 1999, Laura would often reminisce about her time at HES with love and pride.

Laura was also an active member of the United Congregational Church of Haddam and Higganum where she served as a deaconess, Sunday School teacher, and chairperson of the flower committee. She also played a vital role in the Haddam Garden Club, volunteered as a member of the Haddam Historical Society, and served as a committee member for Haddam Public Health Services.

She is survived by her children, John Porter and wife Karen of Brewster, MA, Marjorie Porter and partner Dom of Pomfret, CT, Keith Porter and his wife Lisa of Wallingford, CT, and Elizabeth Craig and her husband Roy of Suffield, CT; five grandchildren, Sarah, Gregory, Joshua, Brytnie and Daniel; and seven great grandchildren.  She was predeceased by her brother, Arthur Shail.

Laura's family would like to express its deepest gratitude to the entire Middlesex Hospital Palliative and Hospice Unit for their care, dedication, and support.

Funeral services will be held Saturday (March 23rd) at 11 a.m. at the United Congregational Church of Haddam and Higganum, located in Haddam at 905 Saybrook Rd. Burial will follow at the Haddam Center Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday (March 22nd) from 4 to 6 p.m. at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown. Those who wish may send memorial contributions in Laura's name to the Middlesex Health Hospice Program (MiddlesexHealth.org/hospicedonation) or to the United Congregational Church of Haddam and Higganum (haddamchurch.org). To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.