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TESSA PORTERFIELD Obituary
Louise. Died at home in Seattle on February 21. She was born July 11, 1967 in New York City and attended local private schools, where she was an outstanding athlete. After graduating from the University of Michigan in 1990, she moved to Seattle and joined the staff of the PBS TV show Bill Nye the Science Guy. She went on to forge a career as a digital product manager, working at such companies as MSNBC, Amazon and Best Buy and sometimes traveling to foreign points from Shanghai to Amsterdam. Outgoing and cheerful, she cherished a wide circle of friends. She loved playing softball, hiking, camping and scuba diving. She is survived by her parents, Christopher and Stephanie Brown Porterfield of Manhattan; her brother Christopher and his children Maya and Christopher, of Hermosa Beach, CA; her brother Kevin and his wife Bridget, and their children Wren and Scout, of Chicago; and her stepchildren Kat, Kyra and August Keller of Seattle. All deeply mourn the loss of her warmth and love. Hers was a vibrant life cut far too short. A private memorial gathering was held in Seattle on February 28. Donations to Adirondackscholarship.org or Oceana.org.
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Memories and Condolences
for TESSA PORTERFIELD
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Nicole Fabbri-Allman
June 7, 2018
Today something triggered a fun memory of Tessa. A vibrant woman I worked with, respected and greatly enjoyed over 20 years ago. The type of person whose personality embeds a little smile in your heart. Upon Googling her I was heartbroken to learn of her passing. Belated thoughts to her family and friends.
Ali (Popper) Pollock
March 21, 2017
Tessa had been my closest friend at Trinity. She was always there for me, always helping me and making me laugh. Before I met her I was awkward and introverted. She helped me out of my shell and really got me through high school. We stayed in touch, though it was less over the years, but she was truly one of the very best people I knew. The world is definitely darker without her. To the Porterfield family, I am so sorry for your loss, but please know that Tessa touched so many lives. People like her are few and far between, and I am truly lucky to not only have known her, but to have been he friend.
March 10, 2017
Such a beautiful smile!
Shared a smile exchange with Tessa on a regular basis. I regret being quiet, stoic, heads down, living in my own struggle, and not taking the time to talk with those around me.
She gave me the biggest smile only a few days earlier.
If there's an afterlife with jobs and a water cooler, I'll see you there. I'll surely speak more and make sure to invite you to game night. Hopefully it's all game night and no jobs.
Rest in peace Tessa.
-m
Terry MacGregor
March 7, 2017
Dear Porterfield family,
My deepest condolences to everyone. Tessa was a great friend from our days at McGill University in Montreal. Even though we had not seen each other in many years, I have thought of her often with wonderful memories.
Terry MacGregor
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March 7, 2017
Gone and will not be forgotten, may she R.I.P and may you be comforted by prayers, memories and God's promise at Hos :13:14 the hope of seeing our love ones again, when all is made new and death is no more.
Krizten Breidenich
March 5, 2017
Big LOVE to you my sweet fred! We will try our best to continue to spread your vibrant light throughout our lives and try our best to "infect" others with the same awesome joy and happiness that you spread to so very many of us! Shine on!!!!
Marya Gilborn
March 5, 2017
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Porterfield, Kevin, Chris and families,
I was so saddened to hear of Tessa's death. I haven't seen her in decades, but I have held a special place in my heart for her since she was my camp counselor in Northwind, Summer of '85! She was then, and I am sure she remained, radiant, spirited, funny and kind. She as a great role model for teenage girls and a pleasure to be around.
I am thinking of you all and wishing you comfort in the tough days ahead.
Warmly, Marya
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