Ethel D Portier

Ethel D (Simpson) Portier (90) passed from this life at her home at the Willows of Worcester Health Center on Saturday, June 12, 2010, with her family by her side. Her husband of 43 years, William Portier, Jr, passed away in 1984. Ethel a devoted mom, grandmother and great-grandmother (GiGi), leaves behind her loving children, Dr William Portier and his wife Dr Bonita Portier, of Emmitsburg, MD, Suzanne DiCicco and her husband Robert, of Shrewsbury, MA and Douglas Portier, of West Haverstraw, NY; her beloved grandchildren Phillip Portier, Anathea Portier-Young, Laura Portier LaLumiere, Danielle Portier and David and Pamela DiCicco; and her adored great grandchildren Sloane, Taylor and William Portier, Sebastian Portier-Young, and Ethan and Anna LaLumiere. She also leaves several cousins, nieces and nephews including her beloved nephew Mark Portier, his wife Celeste, and many wonderful friends, especially the staff and residents of the Health Center at the Willows of Worcester where she lived for the past year and a half. Ethel was predeceased by two brothers, Robert and Charles, by her beloved younger sister, Eleanor, and by her daughter-in-law, Gail Portier. Ethel was born in Jersey City, NJ, the daughter of William and Anna (Morhart) Simpson. She graduated from Ridgewood High School and later moved to Tenafly, NJ. She worked for many years as the office manager of the Quirk Funeral Homes in Cresskill, NJ. Ethel spent her leisure time traveling and having fun with family and a group of dear friends from Tenafly. She also enjoyed bowling, dancing, singing, crossword puzzles, and reading. At onetime Ethel volunteered at Englewood Hospital and was a long time member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Tenafly Elks. Ethel later moved to Shrewsbury, MA and Boynton Beach, FL where she was a member of St Anne's Church in Shrewsbury and volunteered at the Shrewsbury Senior Center. Ethel's life was filled with laughter, music, love, family and good friends. She was a joy to be around and will be so greatly missed by so many. Friends are invited to visit with Ethel's family, Wednesday, June 16th from 5 pm to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St Worcester. Ethel's funeral Mass and burial will take place Friday in Tenafly, NJ. Memorial contributions in Ethel's name may be made to the Umass-Memorial Hospice, Care of the Umass Memorial Foundation, PO Box 2795, Worcester 01613. Ethel's family wishes to thank the director and staff of the Willows of Worcester, Health Center, not only for their excellent care but for their kindness and friendship as well.