Irene Lovina Portell

Irene Portell has passed away peacefully, in her sleep, Wednesday, January 22, 2025. She had been a resident of Mesa County since 1992. She was born January 31, 1972. Irene was loved by her community. She enjoyed helping those who needed assistance with housing and food. She loved working with people. She had a wonderful career with APC, the Housing Authority, and Catholic Outreach, and she had meaningful relationships with all of her work family.
She will be survived and remembered by her family: daughter, Charlene Delano, granddaughter (Nema daughter) Amelia Delano, her "favorite son-in-law," Kota Delano, her Sister, Michelle, Brother-in-law, JR, and their Four Children, and her Brother Brian and his Three children.
Irene loved spending time with her Granddaughter, they enjoyed building houses, towers and castles out of jenga blocks, crafting animals with play-doh, coloring, and painting.
In the Spring, Summer and Fall, They loved going to "the fun place" to walk Irene's dogs, running all over, and after they even made the dogs their special kibbles together.
They were the very best of friends and trouble makers and in constant cahoots. They had a very close connection with each other, their love for one another was one of a kind.
Irene and her Daughter Charlene had built an ever lasting relationship and friendship that could never be broken. They would spend hours on the phone, paint, cook, bake, they had jam sessions doing hair and make up and get the family together for the holidays. On the weekends Irene and Charlene would do dinner and watch their favorite TV series, all the while entertaining Irene's Granddaughter.
The bond and love shared between Irene and Charlene was unstoppable and everlasting. The strength and wisdom Irene taught her daughter will be passed on for generations to come.
Irene enjoyed listening to a variety of music, most importantly, rock and metal. Irene would enjoy walks with her two dogs, Percy and Isis, every night. She loved football and Forensic Files, She was excited for Mayfair Witches, Last of Us, House of Dragon, and Handmaid's Tale.
She attended Ashworth College and received her degree in psychology. She owned & operated Black Cat Bail Bonds for several years.
Irene's Celebration of Life will be held in the Springtime or early Summer. Charlene will be finding the perfect spot to hold the celebration and there will be a BBQ.
Irene had a beautiful soul filled with light and love, with nothing but care and compassion. She loved to brighten your day and make you laugh. She would give the best advice, even if you didn't want to hear it.
May her guidance, wisdom, love, light, honor, and loyalty stay with all of us and help us through these times.
She will not be forgotten.
"May you never be thirsty, may you never be hungry. Blessed be."