Saratoga Springs, NY - Martha L. O'Connor Porter, 97, died peacefully at the Wesley Health Care Center on Sunday, December 11, 2016.

Born in Buffalo, NY on September 17, 1919 to the late James T. O'Connor and Anna C. Barnwell O'Connor, Martha spent her childhood in the City of Buffalo and graduated from Bennett High School. Martha worked at Ryerson Steel in Buffalo and in 1943 joined the U.S. Women's Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC) as a stenographer.  She served with the Eighth Army Air Force Composite Command in England, France, Luxembourg and Germany.  Martha was a member of a small group of men and women responsible for typing part of the papers for the unconditional surrender of Germany.  Later Martha worked for the late Dr. Daniel Fisher of Clarence Center and then at Millard Fillmore Hospital in Buffalo until her retirement.  In retirement Martha remained very active as a volunteer for various organizations and with the Clarence Senior Center.

Martha married James Perry Porter, Jr. of Buffalo in 1952, living in Buffalo until moving to Clarence Center, NY in 1958. She is predeceased by her beloved husband, James;  her sisters, Marie Colson, Jean (George "Bud") Bulger, Margaret Elizabeth (Charles) Brown, Alice (John) Perryman; brothers, Edward O'Connor and Charles O'Connor and granddaughter, Erin C. Fay.

Survivors include her five children, Frances (Vincent K.) Fay of Saratoga Springs, NY, Timothy (Julie) Porter of Clarence, NY, Colleen Porter of Ballston Spa, NY,  Shawn T. Porter of Wappingers Falls, NY and Alice (Kurt) Foley of Juneau, AK.  She is also survived by 6 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Martha was an avid reader and enjoyed playing Pinochle; she was an expert seamstress, a faithful friend and devoted mother.  She was the last of her generation of the extended family of the O'Connors/ Barnwells of Buffalo, New York.

Relatives and friends may call from 10 - 11am Monday, December 19, 2016 at the historic Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs to be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am by the Rev. Thomas H. Chevalier, pastor.

Burial with military honors will follow at 12:30pm at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10am Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at Our Lady of Peace RC Church, 10950 Main Street, Clarence, NY. A reception for family and friends will follow in the parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Salvation Army, or the "Memorial of Erin Fay", c/o Trustco Bank - Northern Pines, 649 Rt, 9, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Our heartfelt thanks go to the Certified Nursing Assistants, nurses, physicians, Dietary department and other staff of Springs 5 at Wesley Health Care Center for their compassionate care, and to Community Hospice of Saratoga.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.