Dr. Joan P. Porter

Dr Joan P Porter, a dedicated public servant and longtime healthcare policy analyst for the Federal government, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2025, at the age of 77.

Joan was born in Takoma Park, the only child of Howard and Margaret Paine. She graduated from Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda in 1965 and received her bachelor’s degree from Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College) in 1969. She went on to earn masters degrees from Southern Illinois University, the University of Southern California and Johns Hopkins University. She received a Doctorate of Public Administration from the University of Southern California in 1985.

Joan’s career with the Federal government spanned over four decades. She served in many challenging roles shaping health care and research policy in the Department of Veterans Affairs, the President’s Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology under President Clinton, the United States Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, the Presidential Advisory Committee for Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National AIDS Program Office,, the National Cancer Institute, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S Department of Agriculture.

Beyond Joan’s professional interests, she was a passionate advocate for the preservation of historical properties in Frederick County. She served as a member of the Historical Society of Frederick County for many years and lovingly restored her own home, the 1913 Howard Marvin Jones Home near Petersville, which is now registered with the Frederick County Register of Historic Places.

In addition, Joan served many years in her church, Bethesda United Methodist Church, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school and serving the homeless community. She also loved traveling and enjoyed visiting almost all 50 states, many National Parks and over 40 countries.

Joan was most proud of her role as wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her loving husband of 23 years, Michael Wozny, her daughter Jennifer Porter Larson (Scott), her step-son John (Kristen) Wozny, step-daughter Carolyn Wozny and grandchildren Caroline Larson (Brandon), Andrew Larson, Nathan Larson, Luke Wozny, Baya Wozny and Shaye Sullivan.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday March 29 at 1 pm at Jefferson United Methodist Church in Jefferson, MD, followed by a graveside service at Park Heights Cemetery in Brunswick, MD. Family will welcome visitors at Stauffer Funeral Home in Brunswick, MD from 3-7 pm on Friday March 28, 2025.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at StaufferFuneralHome.com.