Anne Marie Portelance

Anne Marie (Jurgiel) Portelance, 94, of Leicester died Sunday February 15, in the Meadows of Leicester, surrounded by her family.

She leaves two daughters, Donna Blanchard of North Kingstown, R.I. and Daryl Anne Statkus and her husband Robert J. Statkus of Leicester with whom she lived for many years; three grandchildren, Stephanie Guerrera and her husband Donald of Tiverton, R.I., Scott Blanchard of North Kingstown and Jennifer L. Carroll of Leicester; five great-grandchildren, Mariah Blanchard of North Kingstown; Dillon, Devon and Ashley Guerrera of Tiverton; Brett Carroll of Leicester; one great great-grandson, Caleb Blanchard of North Kingstown; she also leaves a sister-in-law, Wanda Berestine of Worcester and several nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph F. Portelance in 1995, a son, Richard Portelance and two grandsons, David Blanchard and Johnathan Blanchard. She was born in Worcester, a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Vronick) Jurgiel who predeceased her. Anne was the oldest of 10. She was also predeceased by her brothers, Joseph Jurgiel, George Jurgiel, Stephen Jurgiel, two sisters, Mary Jurgiel and Stephanie Jurgiel, three half-brothers, John Berestine, Tommy Berestine and Fred Berestine and a half-sister, Stella Garrett and her step-father, John Berestine.

Anne was a graduate of St. Mary's School and Commerce High School both in Worcester. She studied nursing at St. Vincent Hospital after graduating from high school. She retired from Norton Co., where she worked in the accounting department. She and her husband Joseph lived in Sutton for many years where she was a member of St. Mark's Parish and the Sutton Women's Club.

Anne lived for her family. Her greatest joy came from watching them grow. She also loved to travel and with her husband spent many winter vacations in Florida. One of her fondest trips was the cross-country trip she made with her husband shortly after he retired. She also loved to take day trips with her daughter, stay at bed and breakfast inns and walk the beach. Anne was always ready to try anything including water skiing in her 60's and kayaking in her 80's. She loved life, and taught her family to cherish every day. She will be greatly missed by so many who loved here, including her extended family of caregivers at The Meadows.

There are no calling hours. The funeral will be held on Friday February 20 from HENRY – DIRSA FUNERAL HOME, 33 Ward St, Worcester, with a Mass at 10:30 a.m in Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, 34 Ward St., Worcester. Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Activities Fund at The Meadows of Leicester, 111 Huntoon Memorial Hwy, Leicester, Ma., 01542.

www.worcesterfuneral.com