Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Kathleen Portalski Obituary
Phoenix - Phoenix native and lifelong resident Kathleen Portalski passed away on December 20, 2017 after a long, difficult illness. Born to Mary Jeanne (Parks) Hensley and James Willis Hensley, Kathy grew up with her beloved cousin Julia (Giddings) Yasin and attended Whittier Elementary and St. Mary's High School. From an early age, Kathy diligently trained in classical ballet under Mary Girard Tierney. As a result of Kathy's commitment and talents, she auditioned and received an invitation to join the San Francisco Ballet. Although Kathy remained in Phoenix and began a family, she continued her dance work and academic studies. She performed publicly in dramatic dance roles, sharing her passion for high standards of dance with the community at large. She also earned a degree from Phoenix Community College, applying her professional talents helping families through her work at Planned Parenthood, working with physicians involved in women's healthcare, and in the administrative coordination of prescription drug studies to verify the safety and effectiveness of new medications. A stylish and graceful woman of impeccable taste, Kathy loved travel, conversation, Mexican food, and Mary Coyle Ice Cream. She leaves behind her husband of 56 years, Stanley, three children: Stephanie Lees (David), Nathan, and Nicholas (Melanie Paul), and one grandson, James Ryan Hensley. Following a private ceremony, she now lies in rest at St. Francis Cemetery. For further information, contact [email protected] (Stephanie Lees).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kathleen Portalski
3 Entries
Gerard O'Brien
August 26, 2018
Nathan & Nick and family my sincere condolences on the passing of your mother. May time find you solace and understanding.
Diane Shepard
February 27, 2018
Hello dear friend, Kathy. On Feb. 23, only 4 days ago, it would have been your 75th birthday. We are the same age, so I can never forget. Even though we have not spoken for years, I never miss thinking about you on your birthday. I decided to check up on you, and you've left this world. You and I were best friends since the 3rd grade, always walking to Whittier School together each day. And although I've lived in New York and Los Angeles, and now North San Diego, whenever I was in Phoenix, you were the first person I called, and usually we were able to meet, with our husbands. The last time I called you, I left a message with Stan and never heard back from you. It seemed you were having difficulty physically, but we never discussed it. I will always cherish our friendship and send you my love and prayers. I am so sorry to hear you had such a long and painful illness. We were both dancers for so many years. I remember our music teacher at Whittier, Mrs. Brown, who was so fond of us and had us dance at least every Christmas for the school celebration. That makes it especially frustrating and painful to lose the use of our bodies when we spent so much time disciplining them through such hard work. Our pictures were in the local paper when our original design of a Thunderbird was chosen to be painted on a homemade drum. We had actually started with the dried skin of an animal, possibly a deer, for the top, and we painted the wood that held it all together with laces we also made by hand from the skin. It was all finished by hand. I still have the article and photo and it brings back one of the many wonderful memories we shared. I also send best regards to Stan, and your children. I will always keep the fond memories in my heart of two girlfriends who meant so much to one another. My love and laughter of the good times will always be with me. Farewell sweet friend.
Diane Brown Shepard
Leila Gurgen
January 21, 2018
Kathy, I will miss you. I hope that you have found my mom in the 5th dimension. I send prayers for peace to all your loved ones.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Kathleen Portalski's name
Memorial Events
for Kathleen Portalski
How to support Kathleen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Kathleen Portalski's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
