May 29, 1926 - May 4, 2025
The Portelance family are sad to announce the passing of Cecile B. Portelance (Fournier). A long time resident of Thistle Crescent. She was born on May 29th, 1926 in Schreiber, Ontario. Cecile was the fourth of six children born to Sam and Bertha Fournier (Dumouchel). Her parents, her siblings, her husband and one of her granddaughters predeceased her.
Her childhood was long and happy in Schreiber interacting with her many relatives and friends. Her family was always very important to her and she kept in close touch with her siblings, nieces and nephews and friends all her long life.
In 1944 the family relocated to Fort William Ontario. At the tender age of 18 she went to work for Canada Car for the war effort and became a “Rosey the Riveter” as described by history. She worked there until 1945 and at war’s end, joined the Safeway grocery store in Fort William.
In May 1948 she married her soul mate, Leonard Portelance. They were married in St. Patrick’s Church in Fort William, Ontario. Cecile and Leonard settled down to family life and in 1950 purchased a modest home on North Brodie St. There they lived until 1956 and raised their first three sons.
In 1956 Cecile and Leonard moved to a new home in Green Acres, where she raised two more sons. She lived there for the next 69 years and which still remains the family home.
In 1970 Cecile and Leonard purchased a cottage east of the city at Silver Lake, It quickly became family central for recreational activities for the next 20 years; where all the family and extended family members enjoyed themselves.
Upon Leonard’s retirement they became snowbirds allowing Mom to winter in Arizona for the next 35 years. In her time in Arizona she enjoyed creating many handcrafted items such as Ming trees, Faberge eggs, ceramics, silver jewellery, needlework, and many more. She also found time to engage in other enjoyable activities such as bridge, canasta, bingo, dances and concert.
In her senior years Mom, Leonard and many family members travelled the world extensively to destinations such as British Columbia, Alaska, Newfoundland, the Maritimes, Florida, Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, the USA, and the Caribbean islands.
One of the highlights of Mom’s life was when her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were born.
Mom was always available for her family but still found time to be a lifelong parishioner of St. Agnes’ Church and a member of their CWL. In her early years at St. Agnes’ she helped to run the church’s bingo game. She also volunteered outside the home participating in the Meals on Wheels program for many years and at Pinewood Court helping disabled seniors attend mass. Over the years she also enjoyed working for the provincial and the federal elections as a D.R.O.
She is survived by her 5 sons, Brian (Norma) Portelance, Ron Portelance, Larry (Kathy) Poretelance, Paul (Hennah) Portelance, Bruce (William) Portelance, six grandchildren, David (Marissa) Portelance, Craig (Erica) Portelance, Tammy (Gary) Belle, Sherry (Bill) Kunka, Elyott Portelance, Caitlyn Portelance, and six great-grandchildren Alex Portelance, Sophia Portelance, Robert Belle, Lindsey Belle, Jacob Szkaley, and Jocelyn Szkaley and many nieces and nephews.
Cecile’s funeral will be held on May 17 at St. Agnes’ Church starting with a visitation with the family at 11:00 am followed by the funeral mass at 12:00 pm and then the reception at 1:00 pm. The funeral will be live streamed for those who would like to attend but cannot. The funeral mass can be viewed at www.stagnesrc.ca . When on the web site press the LIVE button at the top of the page to watch a live stream of the funeral.
The family would like to thank all the professional staff and William Portelance who work at the Regional Hospital for the compassionate and excellent care that they provided. Mom passed peacefully in the early hours of May the 4th. We also need to thank in advance Father James who will say the funeral mass, and the ladies of the C.W.L. who will serve the superb reception lunch.
“Memories of family and friends last forever”
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
