Margaret M. Porter, age 84, of Woburn formerly of Arlington passed away peacefully on May 25th, at the Emerson Hospital in Concord following a lengthy illness. She was the beloved wife of Thomas J. Porter Jr. Born in Arlington she was the daughter of the late Thomas F. and Nora (Dalton) Grady.

"Peggy" as she was affectionately known to her family and friends, went to school in Arlington and later graduated from Burdett College in Boston. As a young lady she worked for Scudder, Stevens and Clark Investments and later in life enjoyed part time work at Scott Jewelers and Country Club Heights in Woburn. She loved to travel whether it be a simple ride to North Conway or a plane trip half way around the world. Meticulously packed in advance, she traveled all over with her family and many friends. At times her adventurous and courageous self would go off on her own to explore. She was smart and funny and taught all of her daughters how to be strong, self-sufficient and independent individuals.

She was a mother to everyone. Kids in the neighborhood would often look to her first to predict school closings, no need to wait for the local weatherman. She loved to read and impressed all with her ability to solve each Wheel of Fortune puzzle and answer every Jeopardy question well before the contestants were able. She had a love for music and would often sing Irish songs while she filled the house with the smell of home cooking. She was a great cook and regularly fed more than just her own family. Instead of individual chairs at the kitchen table, there were benches on either side that would hold five or six kids at a time. She made her house a home not to just Tom and her girls but to the entire neighborhood and anyone else who walked through the door. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her."

In Addition to her beloved husband, Thomas J. Porter Jr., Peggy is survived by her daughters, Julie Porter-Brooks and her husband James of Westford, Cathy Medeiros and her husband Michael of North Andover, Margaret Edmonds and her husband David of Pepperell, Carol Porter of North Chelmsford, Linda Porter and her fiancé Bernie Doherty of Burlington. She was the loving grandmother of Paige, Tyler and Lily Medeiros, Brian, Kyle and Amber Edmonds, Kevin Brooks and Molly Doherty. Sister of Thomas Grady and his wife Janice of Woburn.

Funeral services will be held from the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., WOBURN, Friday, May 30th, at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Agnes Church, 30 Medford St., Arlington, at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Thursday from 4 thru 8 p.m. Services will conclude with burial at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Arlington. As an expression of sympathy contributions may be made in Margaret's memory to The Fidelity House, 25 Medford St.., Arlington, MA 02474 or to the Founders Affiliate American Stroke Assoc. PO Box 417005 Boston, MA 02241-7005.