Elisabeth (Jansen) Portier, 89, of Medway died March 1 at her home. She was the wife of the late Wim Portier who died in 2008.
Born in Semarang, Indonesia, December 8, 1931, the daughter of the late Henri and Maria Jansen, Mrs. Portier was raised in Indonesia and the Netherlands until coming to Medway many years ago.
After migrating from the Netherlands, she worked in Instrumentation labs in Waltham, Milford, and Medway.
Most of Elisabeth’s time was as a homemaker looking after her family.
She had worked as a secretary, and later volunteered at the wartime auxiliary women services to assist wounded soldiers returning home, while her inspiration to become a teacher remained unfulfilled due to growing up during the War.
She and her husband Wim were active members with the Dutch Indonesian Society based in Newton , later serving on the Board.
She loved to tell stories which resulted in laughter. Her favorite activities included playing cards, bicycling, swimming, knitting, and gardening. Her favorite computer games were Solitaire, Freecell and Spider. She enjoyed the beauty of nature and in past days spent many evenings with her husband observing birds out on their back porch.
She was a wife, sister, mother, and “Oma” who loved her family with all her heart. She was unconditional and gave all she could to others. She loved children. A hug from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren would brighten her heart.
She is survived by her children, Gerard Edward Hendric Frederick Portier of Sarasota, Florida, George Paul Portier of Upton, Robert William Portier and his wife Julie of Exeter, New Hampshire, and Sylvia Portier Blonder and her husband Edward of Gardner.
One of twelve children (eight girls and four boys), she is survived by her sister Julia C. Onkenhout of Bellingham and Mady Wagenaar Jansen and Henri Laurens Ferdinand Jansen of the Netherlands.
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Tara, Alexis, Elisha, Rebecca, Lily, Ruby and her great-grandchildren; LisaBeth, Dawna, Lily, Ruby, Allexandra, Ciara, Angelina, Nethaniel, Isabella, Lincoln, and Savannah.
She is also survived by her brother-in-law Cornelius Portier, sister- in- laws Louise Stanfiel, and Leida Portier and many nieces and nephews.
“Ma” or Mom as she was lovingly called will always be in her children’s Hearts, Thoughts, and Prayers.
Her funeral service will beheld on Monday, March 8 in the Ginley Crowley Funeral home (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com)3 Barber Street, Medway at 11:00 a.m.
Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Monday.
Please follow all COVID – 19 guidelines including face masks and social distancing.