Colleen Toohey Porter passed away in her Cleveland home on March 22, 2012. Colleen was born in Lewiston, NY on July 27th, 1959, graduated from Keuka College in 1979, married in 1980, and moved from Buffalo, NY to Cleveland, OH in 2000.

In addition to her mother Colleen is survived by her husband Rolfe Porter, daughter Emily (Stefan Lenzi), sons Timothy and William, grandson Jameson, brothers Brian (Lisa Monihan) of Pepper Pike, Ohio, Timothy (Margaret) of Lewiston, Dennis (M.J.) of Cambridge, Ma., Kevin (Wendy) of Youngstown, and many more dearly loved family members and friends.

Colleen was director of Community Engagement and Education at PlayhouseSquare, Vice President of Programming and Selection Committee chair for International Performing Arts for Youth; was on the boards of the Association of Performing Arts Presenters, National Education Directors of Performing Arts Centers, Cleveland Arts Education Consortium, The Lit, and The Bureau of Cultural Arts Advocacy Board; during seventeen years in Buffalo, Colleen a was an independent artist, Canisius College faculty member, and Chair of the Performing Arts Department at The Nichols School. Colleen was instrumental in the development of the Community Engagement & Education Department at PlayhouseSquare, the Partners in Performance program and other pioneer programming around youth theater performances, workshops, classes and events.

Colleen continues to be our radiant source of strength, grace and compassion. As a wife, her devotion and passion were unparalleled. As a mother, her patience and inspiration were unbridled. In her family and her work, Colleen was a conscientious mediator, absolute coordinator and confidant.

A celebration of her life will take place at the Water Street Landing, 115 South Water Street in Lewiston on Saturday March 31st from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. An additional celebration will take place in Cleveland in May. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the PlayhouseSquare Education Fund.