In Memoriam

Jascin N. Leonardo Finger • January 3, 2013

Over the holidays, the Mitchell House and its curator lost a dear friend, supporter, and mentor.  Clarissa P. Porter was a champion of the Mitchell House and historic preservation and an enthusiastic fan of Maria Mitchell.  I do not remember just when I first met Clarissa, but I must have been a teenager.  Since that time, she has always been there with support, friendship, and advice.  She was tireless in her support of the Mitchell House’s conservation and one of the founding members of the Maria Mitchell Women in Science Award Committee.  Numerous non-profits here on Nantucket (and elsewhere) have benefitted from her enthusiasm and enduring support and some would not exist if not for her unflagging energy and volunteerism.  She continued to keep in touch and wanted to know everything that was going on, even when her illness made it more difficult.  She cared and she continued to care even to the end.  But there really is no end, for her spirit lives on in all those she touched.  I know that there is a piece of her that makes me who I am.

The step, however small, which is in advance of the world, shows the greatness of the person, whether that step be taken with brain, with heart, or with hands.  − Maria Mitchell

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