Obituary of Therese Portelance

PORTELANCE (nee Raymond), Therese - It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our family's matriarch Therese Portelance (nee Raymond) who passed away suddenly but peacefully in Chapleau, Ontario on Saturday October 28, 2023 at the age of 77 years.

Beloved Mother of Fern Portelance (Bonnie), Jeannette Ramage (Tim) and Raymond Portelance (Tania). Cherished Gramma to Jessica Usitalo (Jim), Kristi Bouillon (Mike), Andrew Portelance (Sierra), Brittany Portelance (Jeremy), Christopher Portelance (Taylor), Mackenzie Portelance (Garren) and Emma Portelance (Alex). Honoured Gigi to Mia Sarrazin, August Sarrazin and Murray Budge. Predeacesed by her loving partner Marcel Maurice. Precious daughter of the late Alfred and Ursule Raymond (Dubeau). Sadly missed and survived by her sisters Rita Boucher (Art predeceased), Annette (Bob predeacesed) and Yvonne Gamble (Matt) and she is now reunited with her predeacesed siblings Ronald Raymond (Cappy), Art Raymond (Raija predeacesed) and Diane Bell (Ted). She will always be fondly remembered by her many nieces and nephews, extended family and her dearest friends.

Our Mom was one of the hardest working and toughest women we have ever had the honour of knowing. She had a huge heart and always put others before herself. She was a very devoted, selfless and dedicated mother. Her gentleness and patience were truly remarkable. She enjoyed so many small pleasures which life had to offer like cooking, hunting, gardening, country music, reading, politics and being outdoors but her true passion was hosting and just spending time with family and friends at her happiest place ever - Batchawana Bay.

Rest in peace our beautiful little rose. Your job on earth is done and you excelled. Now, it's time for you to forever be dancing, singing and laughing and to be at peace knowing how very much you were and always will be loved.

The family would like to thank all the first responders including Chapleau Paramedic Services, Chapleau OPP, staff at Chapleau General Hospital and staff from Kerry Funeral Home. Your kindness, compassion and understanding did not go unnoticed and is greatly appreciated. A special thank you and our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Mitchell for going above and beyond professionalism to guide us in our Mom's care.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in honour of our Mom can be made to one of the following  organizations – Northern Cancer Centre, Heart and Stroke Foundation, COPD Foundation of Canada or the Canadian Mental Health Association.

A Memorial mass will be held at St. Jude Parish in Espanola, ON on Friday, November 17, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.

“Her heart's as soft as feathers, still she weathers stormy skies
And she's a sparrow when she's broken
But she's an eagle when she flies”.
  Dolly Parton