In Memory of Wendy J. Porter

April 10, 1959 - August 6, 2020

Resided in Utica, NY


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Utica – Wendy J. Porter, 61, of Utica and formerly of East Greenwich, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully August 6, 2020 at Abraham House in Rome, following a three year battle with cancer.

She was born April 10, 1959, in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, a daughter of Phillip and Laura (Rice) Rhone. Wendy attended East Greenwich High School, and later BOCES in Rome, NY, where she completed the nursing program.

Wendy was first married to John McMillen, and subsequently to Joseph B. Rezendes, a union that lasted twenty years. It was during her years with Joseph that the family moved from Rhode Island to the Boonville/Port Leyden area in northern Oneida County. It was here that she discovered her love of the Adirondacks and the North Woods.

Wendy was a caring mother and homemaker. After her children reached their teen years, she chose to  return to school and earn a degree in nursing. This allowed her to obtain positions at Sunset Nursing and Rehab Center in Boonville, NY, and later at Scalabrini Villa Skilled Nursing and Rehab Center in North Kingston, RI.

Wendy loved to fish, especially in and around the Port Leyden area, and had a favorite spot to camp alongside the Moose River. The country there was special to her – as were all the Adirondacks. Camping with her children, and later her grandchildren, became very important to her. Back at home, she was forever cooking something delicious, often sharing her preparations with her close friends who were always welcome at the house. Wendy kept a tidy home for her children and grandchildren, and always looked forward to spending time with them. She was a talented billiards player, and often could be found listening to her favorite classic rock.

Survivors include a daughter, Loralyn Marie Rhone and fiancé Bob Osborne, of RI, and two sons, Joseph W. Rezendes of Yorkville, and John E. Rhone of New York Mills; grandchildren Jacob Maggio, Emma and Ella Osborne, and Josie Rezendes; two brothers, Shawn Rice and Ronald Rhone; a sister, Mary Rhone; and nieces and nephews Nicole Maynard, Anthony and Crystalyn Medieros, Elliott Poole, Matt, Haley and Michael Rhone, Wesley Rice, and Kaitlin Williams; and many, many good friends. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a granddaughter, Rebecca Koehler, a brother, Shannon Rice, and a daughter-in-law, Lynne Rhone.

Her family would like to acknowledge the professional and compassionate care that Wendy received while at the Regional Cancer Center (Utica) and Abraham House (Rome).

Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, there are no services in New York, and services in Rhode Island will be held at a later date. In accordance with her wishes, there are no calling hours. Arrangements locally are with Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Service, 13 Oxford Road, New Hartford, NY 13413. Online messages of sympathy may be left at www.fwefh.com.