Passed away peacefully at LHSC – University Hospital with family by her side on Tuesday November 25, 2025 in her 82nd year. Beloved wife of Alan Porter for 56 years. Loving mother of Sean Porter (Kim), Michael Porter, Erin Fenwick (Jamie), and the late Matthew Porter (2020). Proud Gramma of Brianna (Michael), Kieran, Alison, and Aidan. Dear sister and sister-in-law of Mike and Diane O’Shea, Beth O’Shea, Anne and Vic Zammit, Geraldine and Rex McCoy, Norman and Terri Porter, Patricia and Robert App, and Ron McGillivray. Fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Predeceased by her parents James and Evelyn (Payton) O’Shea, her brothers Charlie O’Shea and Patrick O’Shea, her in-laws Norman and Alice Porter and sister-in-law Nancy McGillivray.
Monica was born August 7, 1944 in Biddulph Township where she lived most of her life. Trained as a Registered Nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital in London, Monica enjoyed the nursing profession. She met and married Alan and embraced farm life along Highway 23, where her passion for riding, breeding and racing horses flourished. Family and faith were always at the centre of her world and loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and extended family. Monica was talented in the kitchen, especially baking, in particular her butter tarts hold a special place for many people. An avid gardener, Monica enjoyed working a large vegetable garden and took great pride in her flower gardens. Monica worked at the London Court House, for almost twenty years, forming friendships and connections that remained important to her throughout her life.
Visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 223 Main Street, LUCAN on Monday, December 1st from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 PM.
Monica’s Funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 32922 Richmond Street, LUCAN on Tuesday, December 2nd at 11 AM. Interment St. Patrick Cemetery, Lucan.
A recording of the funeral mass will be available on Wednesday morning by visiting www.facebook.com/haskettfh
Donations to Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
John and Sandy Ulch
Mike, Dianne, Beth, O’Shea and Porter families
We are sorry to read that Monica has passed away and now I read that Alan has passed also.
We send our deepest condolences to the families.
Sean Porter
On behalf of my sister Erin, my father Alan, I would like to take a moment to extend my sincere thanks to all that made today happen.
Mary Monica’s faith and love of the Catholic church was fierce and unwavering even in the darkest of days.
Thank you, Father Steve, the altar servers, communion ministers, the choir, the Bereavement Team and the Ladies of the Catholic Women’s League for making today’s service befitting of our dear Mom.
Special thanks to Jamie Payton. I’m incredibly grateful for your words of comfort and support. Your eulogy was deeply touching, and we can’t thank you enough.
Many Thanks to Colin, Wes, Allyson and the incredible Team of Haskett’s Funeral Home. Your professionalism and care always amaze me. We truly thank you for efforts.
Faith Family and Food: Key components of Mary Monica so I’d be at fault for not saying thanks to Lori & Lynn for providing triangle sandwiches and sweets to help keep us nourished today.
Special Thanks to Jaela and the Earthen Elegance Floral team for ensuring Mom’s love of gardening was not forgotten. The arrangements are stunning, much appreciated.
I’ll close off by saying thank you to all present today, thanks to all friends and family over the last week for the kind words offered.
Let the laughter outweigh the tears.
I’ll sign off in Mary Monica fashion:
Take care, God Bless, Love You.
Karen and Gerry Rapien
To the Porter and O’Shea Families
We were saddened to hear of Monica’s passing. This warm and kind lady will be missed by many including the people on Highway 23.
With sympathy.
Mary, Tyler, Steven & Liam OShea
Thinking of you as you mourn the loss of your mom. Her light, generosity, and joyful spirit will be truly missed by all. Hold your memories close.
With deepest sympathy.
Christine Pertschy
Erin and family,
My deepest condolences on the loss of your mom.
Michele(Shelly) Edwards
Monica was a wonderful and loving person who will be missed by all🙏
Tracey McGillivray
Condolences to the whole family on the passing of Aunt Monica. She was a lovely soul and will be much missed.
Cathy perry
Condolence to the O’Shea and Porter families. She was a wonderful person and will be missed by all. My prayers and thoughts are with her always.
Wilfred & Rosemary Myers
Our deepest sympathies to Al and the family, Ann and Vic our thoughts and prayers.
Tom, Mary Ann McLaughlin and Family
Al, Sean, Mike, Erin and all the members of the O’Shea and Porter families we were saddened by the news of Monica’s passing. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Cherish the many memories that you keep close to your heart – they will last you a lifetime. RIP Monica
Kenn Beatson
My condolences to the Porter and O’Shea families. Our family knew Monica very well and spent a lot of time together at the racetrack. We trained some of the Porter’s “Innisfree” horses whom they loved so much. You will be missed.
Joan Greenlee
Sorry to hear of Monica’s passing. My condolences to all your family. Joan Greenlee
Don Blay
It was my privilege to know Monica. The first day of my training as a superior court Registrar, was on September 11,2001, with Monica as my mentor. That day was surreal for us both. She was the epitome of professionalism and grace in her storied career at the London Courthouse. My condolences to the Porter and O’Shea families.
Don Blay
Ruth Cook
To the Porter and O’Shea Families –
My sincere condolences in the passing of Monica – may she rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Lenny VandenBerg, Jamie van Kasteren and family
Our condolences to Alan, Sean, Mike, Erin and families and the O’Shea and Porter families for your great loss. We are thinking of you.
Peter Hockin
Monica and I shared the important work of sitting on criminal jury trials over most of our time at the London court house. These were often nasty events but always she kept close control as my clerk the complicated business of jury selection, the receipt of volumes of exhibits and the careful keeping of the trial journal. But best of all was her wonderful sense of humour after court shared with me and other court room staff. Monica was a splendid friend to us all.
Justice Peter Hockin
Robert Evans
I was saddened to hear of Monica’s death. We first met in 1999 when I started working at the London Courthouse. We became friends and shared many good times with our fellow court staff. I was another of her “Butter Tart Fans”. Upon my retirement, our paths only crossed when the retirees met for breakfast six times a year. My last memory of Monica was at the breakfast in September of this year when I actually sat beside her as we ate our breakfast. I have lost a good friend, and am thankful that I was able to get to know her in the short time I was privileged to work with her. Rest in peace, Monica.
Rob Evans, Courthouse staff, 1999 – 2008
Barry & Judy Johnson
With sympathy to Anne and Vic and family in the loss of Monica.
Our thoughts are with you.
Satch and Marion Blake
To Al, Sean, Mike, Erin and families, and to the O’Shea families,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Monica. Our sincere condolences to all of you. May the many memories of her bring each of you some peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Tim Cassidy
Erin, Jamie, and the rest of the Porter family. Isabel and I are sending you our deepest condolences.
I met your mom through the many trials I was part of at the Court house. She was always welcoming and always had a quiet smile for any of my victim witnesses especially the young children. I certainly noticed it and I am sure it helped the kids especially when they were in such a vulnerable position. Her kindness will not be forgotten.
Shirley Lyons
To the Porter and O’Shea families
My sincere condolence in the passing of Monica. She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her. May she rest in peace.
Carolyn M McGivery
My sincere condolences to Erin, Jamie, Alison and Aidan at the loss of a mother, grandmother and after reading this a very accomplished person who touched so many lives. May Monica rest in peace.
Jim Oesch
Erin and family
Sorry to hear this, hugs. ❤️
Dale Cook
My sincere heartfelt condolences to the Porter and O’Shea families
Leroy and Nancy Maguire
Erin and family. So sorry for your loss. She was always up for a chat when we met her. Sending our condolences at this difficult time.
John & Carol Coleman
Dear Mike & Diane, Jamie & Mel and all family members;
Sending our heartfelt sympathies at the sad time in your lives.
May she rest in eternal peace.
John & Carol Coleman
Jim Simpson
The thoughtful obituary write-up and the many caring and heartfelt remembrances of Monica say it all. Clearly, she has been a very special person.
I worked in the London Court House with her for over 10 years and have continued to enjoy her and other colleagues socially, at periodic breakfasts. Monica always arrived eagerly, looking to continue friendships from the workplace. We will miss her.
I frequently travel back and forth on Highway 23 and pass the Porter “home place.” Every time, now, more than ever, I will think of her and remember her with great fondness and respect.
Roy and Nancy Gardner
Our condolences to the Porter and O”Shea families.
Bob & Cathy Moore
Sincere Condolences to the Porter & O’Shea familes, RIP Monica!
Beth and Russ Radcliffe
We send our sincere condolences to Monica’s family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Cherish your wonderful memories.
Beth and Russ Radcliffe
Mary and John Chippa
Deepest sympathy to Alan, Sean, Michael, Erin and their families. Her beautiful smile and warm, loving personality will be missed by so many people. I think of her every day when I see the Madonna figurine on my dresser that she gave me when I graduated from nursing. 🩷
Bernadette Mercer
Condolences to the O’Shea/Porter family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Bernadette (nee Clymans) & Art Mercer and the Clymans family.
Patrick Morkin
Mike , Diane and Family and the Porter Family.
So sorry to learn of Monica’s passing. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. I fondly recall our years of attending school and talking with her last August. She was a wonderful lady. May she rest in peace.
Karen Peters
Dear Erin, Jamie, Alison, and Aiden…so sorry for the loss of your mother and grandmother. May all the wonderful memories you have give you strength these difficult days. Most sincerely, Karen Peters
Bonnie Manders
Sincere Sympathy to the Porter and O’Shea Family. RIP Monica.
Marian (Nicholson) McSwigan
To all the O’Shea Family and friends, my sincere condolences at the passing of our sweet Monica. May she rest in Peace. Love always, Marian McSwigan
Rick NilesCOURT SERVICE OFFICER
When there was a serious complex criminal trial assigned to Superior Court, Monica (Superior Court Clerk) was assigned to guide the proper procedures before the Superior Court Judge and the Jury and Crown Attorney and Defense Lawyers and the expert witnesses, Monica was the orchestra leader. It was a pleasure for me to watch this trial unfold in a professional manner Needless to say, I was blessed to have Monica re my court years and those cherish years away from 80 Dundas. Lynda and I enjoyed her visits at our residence, and this LOVELY LADY WILL BE MISSED, PS Monica if you are listening in Heaven, “think about my note to you in court: THROW MOMMA FROM THE TRAIN
Muhammad Hassan
A kind, humorous, humble responsible woman, Monica was a pleasure to collaborate with at our courthouse. My condolences to her family and friends Hamoody Hassan BA LLB LSO1979
Garnet
I am lucky to have become friends with Monica and Al. Will miss our talks and thoughts with the family
Robert White
Monica was well loved by her Courthouse Family. Our condolences to her family and friends.
Trisha & Steve Bradshaw
Sincere condolences Sean and family on the passing of your mother. RIP Monica 🙏
Uncle Ron
Sincere condolences to Sean, Mike, Erin and all of Monica’s family at this sad time. It seemed impossible to believe when I heard the news of the passing of this wondeful and gracious lady. It brought back a flood of memories of raucous card games around the Porter table at Christmas time and wonderful visits and fun at weddings and other family get-togethers along the way.
I was the beneficiary on several occasions of those wonderful butter tarts that she so lovingly crafted. I always looked forward to knowing that we were going to meet up with Monica for what ever reason———maybe she will bring some butter tarts I reasoned.
Monica loved her family and she loved her horses and the energy she expended in caring for both was boundless. I recall Al and her coming for a visit at our farm many, many years ago and the only horses we had to ride were a team of Percheron mares. But they were horses and they were able to be ridden and we had a fun few hours doing just that.
We will all miss Monica and it would be our wish that she rest in peace.
Keith and Joyce Thomson
To the Porter and O’Shea families and Mike and Dianne and family. Sorry for this great loss to your family. May she rest in peace.
Mary storey
Monica was my mentor at the courthouse, patient , kind and always helpful. We became fast friends, we had a love of horses, outdoors, gardening, she was better at then myself. We had lots of get togethes at my home. My courthouse family. I am so heat. She was a wonderful, warm lady. I will miss her. Rest in peace Monica…❤️