Narice Bortle

Narice Bortle

Narice Anne (Jolliffe) Bortle, 96, of Algonquin, IL passed away May 28, 2023 after many serious health issues and is now, after a very full life, is at rest, pain free. Narice was born July12, 1926 in Chippewa Falls, WI to Francis Patrick Jolliffe and Lula Fern (Hanson). She attended Grace Lutheran Church and completed high school at Eau Claire High school. She was an accomplished violinist, holding first chair in orchestra. She was also a self-taught keyboard player and made beautiful crochet and knitted items. She was equally a talented sewist, creating an entire wedding ensemble for the bride and attendants. She assisted in the war effort for WWII as many young women did in manufacturing and as switch board operator for the telephone company etc. Narice later attended McHenry college studying mechanical drawing. She made her career in drafting, working on many impressive projects for Chicago; Buckingham Fountain electrical system, Robert Taylor Homes and the Cabrini Green Projects for waterways and electrical grids. Narice continued to contract drawings until she was 72 years old. She was very detailed and precise! She enjoyed restoring furniture and repairing anything that broke. She had many 'handy gadgets'.

Narice was preceded in death by her grandmother Ada (Hanson) Larsen who raised her from the age of 3. Also preceding her in death were her parents and her only sibling, Priscilla (San Diego, CA), her husband Robert H. Bortle and 3 of her 5 daughters; Jeanne Gunter (Wayne), Connie Burkey (Fred), Denice Keres (Gus).

Narice is survived by 2 daughters; Diane Gunnard and Sherry Hysell (Robert), 8 grandchildren; Shannon Diedrich (Randy), Jeff Klinefelter (Jamie), Michelle Bergquist (Mark), Kirt Gunnard (Nancy), Vicky Hysell (Ryan), Ryan Hysell (Mary), Brenton 'Joey' Keres (Shanessa) and Peter 'Petey' Keres (Elle) and 2 sons-in-law; Robert Hysell, IL and Gus Keres, GA. Also 9 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great grandchildren, in addition to her dear loving cousins, Bonnie Anderson and Charlotte Grafstrom.

Narice loved animals and throughout her 96 years rescued and provided a home for many 4 legged and some winged friends. In celebration of her life, please consider a donation to your local pet shelter.