Jacqueline Portillo Amador

Obituary of Jacqueline Portillo Amador
Jacqueline "Jacqui" Elicia Portillo Amador, a radiant young woman who embraced life with open arms and spread kindness wherever she went, passed away from a cerebral hemorrhage on Sunday, October 5, 2025. She was just 29 years old and had a lifetime of dreams still ahead of her.
Born in Boston, Jacqui was the cherished daughter of Rachel Amador of Dedham, MA, and Saul Portillo and his wife, Dawn, of Burlington, MA. At age twelve, Jacqui moved to Maine, where she built lasting friendships and graduated from Leavitt High School. She eventually settled in Turner, ME.
Jacqui had a rare and beautiful gift-the ability to connect deeply with people. Some might call it her superpower. Through empathy, genuine curiosity, and compassion, she made everyone she met feel valued and seen. Her personal mantra was simple yet profound: "Everyone deserves a friend."
While she had her beloved "besties," Jacqui's warmth drew people from every part of her life-work, hobbies, and community-into her wide circle of friendship. She thrived in roles that allowed her to interact and help others. Jacqui worked at Wallingford's Fruit House on and off since high school, where she did everything from tending livestock to giving tours and greeting visitors with her trademark smile. She later worked as a technician in an ophthalmologist's office, where patients adored her gentle manner. She also took an interest in photography, and worked with a real estate agent, photographing homes for listings. She eventually returned to waitressing at Terry & Maxine's Diner by day and LongHorn Steakhouse by night. Wherever Jacqui worked, laughter, kindness, and connection followed.
Jacqui truly lived life to the fullest. No dream felt out of reach to her-if she wanted to learn something, she would dive into YouTube tutorials and practice until she mastered it. She became a self-taught guitarist, painter, and stained-glass artist. She was an adventurer at heart-hiking, snowboarding, wakeboarding, skateboarding, and even hang gliding. On the day of her hospitalization, she had just finished a fun-filled afternoon of four-wheeling with friends. Whether it was a trip to Las Vegas, a spontaneous road trip, a day of shopping, or quiet moments at Pemaquid State Park Beach, Jacqui brought joy and light to every experience.
Those who knew Jacqui will remember her as someone who left heartprints everywhere she went. She never fully realized the depth of her impact-how her kindness, optimism, and belief in the goodness of others uplifted everyone around her. To Jacqui, it wasn't extraordinary; it was simply who she was.
Jacqui was the loving daughter of Rachel Amador of Dedham and Saul Portillo & his wife Dawn of Burlington. She was the sister of Gabrielle "Gaby" Portillo of Burlington. She was the granddaughter of Wilfredo Amador, Sr., the neice of Steven Sousa & his wife Ilse, Fred Amador & his companion Kerry, Jessica Amador, Wilfredo Ilarraza, Adrian & Xiomara Portillo, Marlen Cantarero, Mariana & Francisco Navarro, and Maricruz Torres. Jacqui was also survived by many cousins and friends, who were like family.
Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington, MA, on Saturday, October 11, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., immediately followed by a funeral service at 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, Jacqui's family asks that you take a moment to pause, appreciate the people and nature around you, and share a little kindness in her memory-just as she always did.