Lisa Will Survive. On December 4, 2004, Lisa was diagnosed with breast cancer.  From the beginning Lisa’s spirit and courage made her victorious.  Lisa battled with determination and optimism for 16 months to free her body of this disease.  Lisa departed this world on her terms—in the comfort of her Carroll County home, surrounded by her friends and family, and looking out into her park-like yard filled with children's toys, flourishing trees, flowers and the love of nature.

Lisa passed out of this world with the same amount of spirit that she had before the diagnosis. The joy and zest for life was never changed. Her eyes and smile lit up rooms. Lisa made lives happier without trying.

Lisa Marie Porter was raised in Ellicott City, Maryland, by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Philip J. McGarvey. Lisa was a graduate of Mt. Hebron High School in 1990 and from James Madison University in 1994. Upon graduation from college, Lisa began working as a registered nurse at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.

In college, Lisa met and fell in love with her future husband, William F. Porter, originally from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Lisa and Bill were married on October 4, 1997. They joyfully brought into the world two children, Katie Marie (5) and Andrew Frederick (3). Katie and Andrew were, and always will be, her pride and joy.

In addition to her parents, husband and children, she is also survived by her brother and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Timothy J. McGarvey, of Columbia, Maryland. Lisa is the granddaughter of Ms. Mary McGarvey, currently residing in Catonsville, Maryland. There are also numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews that survive her and have been an active part of her life.

Throughout Lisa’s times of trial, she maintained the same amount of courage and optimism, that made her the victor in this fight for life and she will always survive in the memories and hearts of her family and those who were touched by her. Lisa Will Survive.

In lieu of sending flowers, the family is requesting donations to either a scholarship fund for Lisa and Bill's children, or to the preschool and daycare center at the church that has taken such good care of Katie and Andrew over the last few months.

Donations to the scholarship fund can be made by sending a check made payable to the Maryland College Investment Plan to:

William Porter

P.O. Box 172

Woodbine, Maryland 21797

Donations to the preschool can be made to:

Early Years Learning Center
Wesley Freedom United Methodist Church
961 Johnsville Road
Sykesville, MD 21784

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 4th, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM, and again from 7:00 to 9:00 PM, at the historic Freedom Chapel, Wesley Freedom United Methodist Church, 961 Johnsville Road, Sykesville, Maryland

The funeral will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 5th, at Wesley Freedom United Methodist Church.

A reception will be held at the church after the funeral.