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University of Florida

Joyce Oransky Obituary

ORANSKY JOYCE ORANSKY nee PORTMAN, age 45, of Gainesville, Florida, cherished and beloved wife, mother, daughter and sister suddenly passed away on July 22. Joyce was born at Mount Sinai Hospital in Miami Beach and grew up in Surfside. She attended Bay Harbor Elementary School, Nautilus Middle School and Miami Beach High. Joyce began playing tennis so early in life that she was barely larger than her racquet. She played for Miami Beach High becoming one of the top players in the State. She went on to receive a full scholarship to University of Florida were she became Florida's number one ranked women's collegiate player and was a member of the All American Tennis Team. She also won many national titles including the Hardcourt Championship and Claycourt Championship. After graduating from U of Florida she turned professional and rose to become the 55th ranked women's player in the world. After leaving the tennis circuit she returned to Gainesville and married her soulmate, Michael and together they raised two beautiful children, Paige and Craig in Gainesville. She is survived by her husband, Michael Oransky; children, Paige and Craig; parents, Marion Portman and the late Stanley H. Portman; sisters, Stephanie Sloan and Jan Portman; brother, Scott Portman. Services will be held in Gainesville, Florida on Monday at 10AM. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association. To visit this Guest Book Online, go to www.herald.com/obituaries.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Miami Herald from Jul. 26 to Jul. 27, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Joyce Oransky

27 Entries

Lisa Levins- Gnann

August 21, 2003

Dear Joyce,

I was so saddened to hear of your passing. Someone so young and strong, It seems so wrong. I realize now how we all should have kept in touch. Who knew time would run out . My years on playing as a gator with you and the team are still some of the finest memories of my life. You will be missed!!

Mark Reese

August 7, 2003

Dear Mike, you may not remember me as I was the third roomate of Mark Rosenthal and Drew Rosen. You can imagine what that was like !

I am truly distraught that our friend, LiL Sister and buddy Joyce has left the playing surface. I don't understand why only the good die young, but G-D must have needed work on his backhand. (Joyce's was great)

As my son is starting UF in the fall I looked forward to revisiting many friends I have lost touch with, including Joyce.

She was a perfect blend of competitor and statesmen. Her grace,elegance and sense of style will be missed.

I can only hope that my teenage daughter (who is also a nationally ranked player) turns out to be the kind of athlete Joyce was. She was a great role model.

Please call upon Mark & I if there is anything you would like us to do as former Gator Tennis team members. We would be happy to help organize, donate our time, etc. in any endeavor with Joyce's name attached to it.

Hang in there, I know it can't be easy. Best Regards.

Carlisle Talbot

August 5, 2003

Dear The Oransky and Portman Families,

I am very sorry for your loss... I did not know Joyce, but remember fun times with the Oranskys - Michael, brothers, and family, growing up at Royal Palm Tennis Club from childhood, including Palmetto Tennis Team (grad '71). My family also sends their sympathies (My parents: Tom & Peggy Talbot, and Barbara Talbot, sisters Holly and Cindy, brother Hunter, and step-brothers Greg & Gary Nolin.

I hope you find comfort and peace...

Sincerely,

Carlisle Talbot

Jodi Appelbaum-Steinbauer

August 4, 2003

Dear Portman and Oransky Family,

I was deeply sadden to hear of Joyce's passing. I grew up playing tennis with Joyce at North Shore Park. We played together for Miami Beach High. I will always remember her incredible fighting spirit. She was a great competitor. Not only did she always give 110% in her matches, but she always supported her teammates as well. She was a great team player. She made sure we always had fun on our trips to the High School State tournament and to St. Pete. for the FL. State tournament. Joyce introduced me to Howard Johnson's coffee ice cream. Joyce was a very special person. I know her winning and fun spirit will always be with us.

Steve Bram

August 4, 2003

I just returned from vacation and learned the horrible news. I am truley sorry. Joyce was a great person and friend. I was fortunate to be able to spend a lot of time with her in college and we always had a fantastic time together. If there is anything I can do to help please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely and with condolences

Steve Bram

Erin Leider-Pariser

August 1, 2003

Dearest Portman family,

I am so sorry. Joyce was a childhood friend that I will never forget. We had such wonderful times together...funny that I still think of her and her favorite packed lunch containing 4 oreos and a bag full of black pitless olives. Of course, I was only allowed 2 cookies and they had to be sugarless! We laughed a lot. I will always remember Joyce with a smile. My deepest sympathy goes out to your extended family.

Bruce Howard

July 31, 2003

Our deepest condolences go out to all friends and family of Joyce.My parents, Sunny and Sy Howard and my brothers Alan and Andy and my sister Debbie grew up with Joyce and her family.We all grew up together in Surfside where every memory I have of Joyce and her family is nothing but warmth and dedication to their family and friends. My wife and I have relocated to Southern California but this news has deeply saddened us. Joyce was the epitome of what a positive approach to life means. She always wanted to help and that went along to everything she did. What a wonderful person. Again , our deepest sympathies go out to all of you . If there is ever anything any of us can do , I am sure I speak for everyone who ever knew Joyce when I say , please reach out to us. Sincerely ; Marion and Bruce Howard

Hank Yunes

July 31, 2003

Dear Portman and Oransky family,

I was deeply moved to hear of Joyce's passing. My heart felt condolences go out to you. I attended Beach High and U of Florida and had the pleasure of being friends with Joyce. Joyce always had a great sense of humor and a great laugh. She was also a great sportsman. I can remember watching many of her matches that did not have line judges and Joyce would always give her opponents the benefit of the doubt by playing balls that were clearly out.

We will all miss her.

Hank Yunes

Scott Notowitz

July 30, 2003

Dear Portman and Oransky family,

I was so sorry to hear of Joyce"s passing. I graduated Beach in 75 and probably had my greatest upset as an athlete at North Shore park when I beat Joyce in tennis. Of course she spotted me 3 games !! I drove Joyce home and back to school on occasion at U of F and we had become pretty good friends. I am deeply saddened and shocked to hear of her passing. I will always remember her.

Sincerely,

Scott Notowitz

Paula Scheb

July 30, 2003

Mike, Paige, Craig and the Portman family,

Words cannot express the feelings I had when I learned of Joyce's passing. Although we had not been in contact for many years, having lived with Joyce for two years at UF left me with a lifetime of great memories!

Be strong and take comfort in the fact that so many people loved Joyce in so many ways. She touched the lives of many.

I will always remember our spaghetti night dinners, when we ate so much food, we would not allow any guests to dinner, and we had to lie down for hours, to recover, after our last bite!

Please know, that you are all in my daily prayers and thoughts. And yes, no one can answer the why, but we must all go on. Mike, if there is anything I can ever do for you or the children, please don't hesitate to ask.

Love,

Paula

Janet Haas

July 30, 2003

To Joyce's Family:

Every day since Joyce's death I have entered this guest book. I searched for words that will express my sorrow. I searched for words that might ease your pain. I can do neither. Joyce was a winner both on and off the court. She was as good as gold- a real treasure.She will always be with you in spirit.

Gary Kleiman

July 30, 2003

To the Portman and Oransky Families,

For those of us that only shared a relatively brief time through tennis or school, we can, in no way , grasp your profound sadness and personal loss. Still, that history connects us in a very special way. I am deeply saddened by Joyce's death and hope that the love and support of friends and family can soon help replace the pain with the great memories of Joyce's winning spirit

Abbe Sitzer Lewites

July 30, 2003

Dear Marion, Scott and the Portman and Oransky Families,My deepest and most heartfelt sympathies are with you on this very sad occassion.Oh how I remember little Joyce growing up in Surfside.

Alison Halpryn-Levin

July 29, 2003

To the Portman family... About a month ago I was jogging on the beach in Bal Harbour and was so surprised to see Joyce passing by. It had been years since I had seen her and asked her to join me on my run. We went to Bay Harbor Elementary together and all through High School as well. We played tennis together on the team, even though she was number one and I anchored the team!! She was so kind, sweet and loving. I was so pleased to see she was still that way all these years later. I feel grateful to have had that run with her a month ago and my deepest sympathy goes out to all of you....Alison Halpryn Levin

Christine (Kurtz) Spire

July 28, 2003

Dear Mike and Families:

I, too, was in Joyce's '76 graduating class at Beach High. She was a role model on the tennis court for me. I could never get a hitting date with her, but our encounters in tournaments made me realize how talented she was. I am very saddened to learn of her passing and know she'll always be looking down on all us tennis bums with that one-of-a-kind smile and great chuckle.

johnny ormento

July 28, 2003

my dear stephanie and jan

please know my prayers are with you and your family.

my heart truely aches for you.

my love always

johnny

Pierre Ramond

July 28, 2003

Dear Mike:

We just heard the terrible news today while in Colorado. Joyce taught our three girls with grace and elegance, and she is a part of their childhood. We can only express our deepest condoleances to you, Craig and Page.

Pierre, Lillian, Tanya,Lisa, and Jennifer,

Susan Fredel

July 28, 2003

Dear Jan and Family,

I was so sorry to hear about Joyce's passing,try to keep in mind that nothing lasts longer than the happy memories. My most sincere condolences.

Susie Fredel

Donna Ganz

July 27, 2003

Dear Mike and Portman Family, I am so sorry to hear of Joyce's passing. I remember when Joyce and I used to get together at North Shore Tennis Center and play for hours. My sincerest condolences to all of you. Donna Ganz

Barbara Franzen

July 27, 2003

dearest Portman family --

please accept our heartfelt sympathy for you in your loss, which seems so great that no words can express what we wish to say ...

my sons, Jeff Monsein and Terry Franzen join me in sending our love

Barbara Franzen

Ilene Friedland Crouch

July 27, 2003

Mike and the Portman Family,

Joyce was such a great friend to me.I will never forget all of the good times that we shared. She will never be forgotten becuase she was one of a kind.; I will miss her dearly.

Ilene Friedland Crouch

Nanetter Friedland

July 26, 2003

Dear Mike, Marion and Family,

I am truy sorry to hear of Joyce's passing. I remember the good times and years when she, Mike, Ilene and WE were young. Ilene has kept me up-to date on Joyce..Mike and the kids. I cry for your loss. Memories we will always have.

Dana Dominguez / Lloret

July 26, 2003

Dear Mike and Family,

We send our heartfelt condolences to you and your family regarding the recent loss of your wife. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. If there is anything we can do to help during this very difficult time please don't hesitate to get in touch.

All our love,

Dana and family,including her parents and sisters.

Randy Rieger

July 26, 2003

To the entire Oransky/Portman families, my thoughts and prayers are with you. May you all be blessed with fond memories. My sincerest condolences.

Gary Sloan

July 26, 2003

I do not have words to express the sorrow that I feel for the loss of your beloved Joyce. Please accept my condolences.

Ivel Paroulek

July 26, 2003

Dear Oransky and Portman Family,

I was in Joyce's 1976 Graduating class of Beach High. I remember her from seeing her in the hall ways. I never really spoke to Joyce but was saddend to see a Beach High friend leave. I read it this morning in the paper and had to write in and let you know that my prayers are with your family.Peace and love, Ivel Fernandez Paroulek

Jeff Cutler

July 26, 2003

Mike, and family:

I am extremely saddened by the news of Joyce's death. She was truely an angel on earth. My love and thoughts are with you, and if there is anything I can do during these tough days, please do not hesistate to call.

Your friend, Jeff

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