Porteous, Mary
March 17, 1931 - October 30, 2023
Mary Porteous (nee Raso) passed away on October 30 at her home in Meaford with her loving husband and daughter by her side.
Mary was born in Guelph, Ontario March 17, 1931 to parents Thomas and Annie Raso (nee Sorbara). She is predeceased by her brother, Dominic Raso, and by sisters, Nancy Durso, Rose Skater, and Teresa Tedesco.
She grew up in Guelph and it was there that she met her true-love, her husband of 71 years, William ‘Bill’ and raised her daughter, Kathy.
Mary led a vibrant and full life. Her work ethic was incomparable and she was certainly independent and determined. She was sharp-minded and her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to fairness propelled her through a rewarding 50 year career at John Sutherland and Sons Insurance. She retired at age 65 and stepped gracefully and effortlessly into retirement with Bill.
Mary also possessed a sense of fun and adventure. Through their life together, she and Bill curled, played tennis, and golfed. She also loved to ski and she, Bill and Kathy spent many years at Talisman Mountain Resort doing just that. Mary treasured this time of her life and the enduring friendships made. It was because of this that the couple decided to leave Guelph and move to Meaford. She and Bill also loved to travel and while ski holidays dominated, they also found time to explore Canada, the US, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia.
It was human connections that truly drove Mary, especially her connections with family. Mary loved her family fiercely. She was a bright light for them and shared her sweet heart and gentle words of wisdom generously. She was loved and adored by the entire extended family and especially by Bill, Kathy, and her son-in-law, Chris. We are heart-broken by her passing.
She is survived by her husband, William (Bill), her daughter, Kathy, son-in-law, Chris, beloved and loving grandchildren, Hunter (Ally) and Dallas (Rob), and her great-granddaugher, Meredith who made “Gigi’s” eyes sparkle. She is remembered lovingly by many nieces and nephews whom she adored.
The family wishes to thank all of the staff at Meaford Hospital for their gentle care during her time there. They also wish to thank the wonderful home care professionals who assisted during her time at home.
Cremation has taken place.
A funeral service will be held at St. Vincent’s Catholic Church, Meaford on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at 11 a.m. with a private interment to follow at Lakeview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers as expressions of sympathy, donations to the Meaford Hospital Foundation would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
Details
A funeral service will be conducted at St. Vincent's Catholic Church in Meaford on Thursday, November 16, 2023 with a private interment to follow at Lakeview Cemetery.
Make a donation in memory of Mary Porteous
Donations: Meaford Hospital FoundationDonate with the following link(s)
https://mhfoundation.ca/donations-for-in-memorial-tributes/
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Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Mr. Porteous, Kathy and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom. She was a warm and generous spirit, who held this beautiful sparkle in her eyes. I have many fond memories of her. I have tons of pictures of her and my Mom, and I will get them all together and send you copies. Her light can never be extinguished. I see her in you Kathy. Sending all my love, and all my support. Mary Ann O’Gorman
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Gerry and I will miss Mary immensely. She was a kind and generous person, with a spark of fun about her. We have known Mary and Bill for 45 years and have had so many good times over the years. Lots of fun on the ski hill and the golf course. Mary was a close friend and a real gem. We will miss her tremendously.
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Bill and Kathy, sending my sincere sympathy .Mary was a wonderful , happy lady, always a pleasure to chat with her.
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
My deepest condolences Kathy and family your mom was so special! My heart truly breaks for you all ! Your memories will keep you all strong though the days to come ! Love you Kathy love always Tammy engelage
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Mary and her husband Bill have been cherished long time friends since 1976! We skied together, golfed together, played bridge together, shared meals together and watched our children grow and develop. Friends with whom you could always start on where you left off.
Mary, we’ll miss your sparkle and gentle ways, you’re gone now but will always be in our memories,
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Zenek (Konieczny) & Michelle (Loyer) extend our deepest condolences. Mary & Bill were neighbors/friends in Kimberley, Beaver Valley. Many fun, funny times shared at various Valley parties & get-togethers. Bill, keep more than 70 years of memories close to heart. We’re sure family & friends will be there for comfort & support. We send these wishes with affection.
Zenek & Michelle
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Please accept my condolences, Mary was a very special lady, and I will remember with great fondness. May her memory be a blessing for you and your family.
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Dear Bill and Kathy, it’s hard to believe it’s been 8 years since we were your neighbours in Meaford, sharing a few sips of wine! Mary was such a fun, lovely lady; we enjoyed her warmth, humour and friendliness so much. She’ll be sincerely missed by many. We send warm, comforting hugs, and deep condolences to you both.
Rest in gentle peace, Mary.
Terry & Judy Smith
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Life with your best friend, Bill and Mary loved and lived life as one with passion and commitment. Cathy my younger sibling or so it seemed was in my life at an early age and together with my parents forged family fun times moments that I will never forget. From the Boat to my father’s near-death experience catching a baseball, to my mom’s and Mary flying off to Vegas to see old blue eyes and the amazing times at Talisman, skiing in winters and riding horses in the summer. Mary was my protector at our family business with loyalty that was second to none. I will forever be grateful for having Mary in my life. See you again if that is meant to be and say hi to all those that mattered most to me and you. Peace is now upon you and with sadness I say so long for now. Jeff, Sue, and entire Sutherland family crew
Thursday, November 2, 2023
My condolences to Bill and Kathy. I have known the family for many years. Mary was such a wonderful lady. I loved golfing with her. Mary always had a smile for everyone and a kind word. Rest in peace Mary.
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Dear Bill and family, my most sincere condolences in the passing of Mary who I remember as a very striking woman, always pleasant and always put together. You both complimented each other. May all your memories together bring you comfort in the times ahead. May God Bless you all in these difficult times.
Myrna Tucker
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Bill and Kathy, i am so sorry to hear about Mrs. Porteous.(Mary). I have some great memories of Mary as a little girl. She was always so kind to me, letting me come over any time in the summer and borrow books or let me play with Sam, or have Sam do tricks for Laura, Kyla and I when we were bored. She always had a kind word for us. Then later in life, when i first started in the Insurance Business, i used to have some long talks with her. She was somewhat of a mentor to me. Just always willing to lend an ear. I have kept in touch with her over the years on facebook, she was so proud of you Kathy, she used to talk about you all the time. Your relationship with your mom is a lot like the relationship i have with mine. My heart goes out to you and your family. I am sure that the memories that Mrs. Porteous (Mary) created with you and your family are great ones.
Friday, November 3, 2023
Bill and Kathy, we were sorry to hear of Mary’s passing and share our deepest condolences with you and your family. We have fond memories of Mary as such a strong supporter of Talisman where she was loved by many. She was so much fun to be around with her beautiful smile and spirit for life. May you find peace in the days to come as you support each other. With love, Jake and Anne Marie Hammer
Saturday, November 4, 2023
Dearest Kathy, your folks are etched in all my best memories of home. The bridge club, talisman, cocktails, convoys in blizzards, sleepovers, dogs, ‘el dumpo’, ridiculous tennis parties, and their many visits to Vail, one time so dearly cherished, your folks came all that way to be stand in parents for me! In every memory, I can hear your mom’s inimitable giggle. My love and hugs to you and Bill. Mary sparkles on.
Saturday, November 4, 2023
Dear Bill and Kathy and your family
Sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Your precious memories of all the wonderful times you shared will help you at this difficult time.
Sunday, November 5, 2023
Bill and Kathy: Mary was like a shining light full of love, laugher and kindness. We had so much fun together over the years. Mary was always there with her million dollar smile and gentle ways. She left all of us with wonderful memories that will live on. Our hearts are with you at this difficult time.
Friday, November 10, 2023
Bill and Kathy. So sorry for your loss of Mary. I often think of the wonderful times at Talisman and the important lessons Mary taught me about history and family. Take good care of each other
Sunday, November 12, 2023
Bill and Kathy: Wishing you well during this time. Mary was special and respected by so many in the community. I had the privilege to work alongside her for several months as she prepared me to assume her role at Suthlerlands. I learned so much in that time – much more than the financial fundamentals she shared – ones that I continued to benefit from all through my career.
But, above all, she taught me how to leave well and step into the next phase of living with grace, excitement and a sense of fun and adventure … and that family is everything.
Take care as you celebrate Mary’s life this week. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Bryan and Laurie Huck
Monday, November 13, 2023
Dear Bill and Kathy –
I was so sorry to hear that Mary has passed away. From the Talisman and Hammer Hof days to more recently when I have connected with Bill and Mary through skiing and events where one or both would faithfully sign up to volunteer, Mary has always stood out to me as being genuinely kind and always calm and smiling. She exuded a gentle strength and wisdom and I can only imagine how much she will be missed by the two of you and your extended family. I would have attended this week’s service but I am currently out of the country. I’ll be thinking of you and remembering Mary.
Thursday, November 16, 2023
Dear Bill and Kathy:
John and I were thinking of you and your family especially at the Funeral Mass this morning. I wish we could have been there to-day, but John is not driving out-of-town now. Our prayers and sympathy are with you and for dear Mary. She was such a special lady and good friend. We all hope to see her again one day. She is at peace now. Lots of Love to you both.
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Dear Bill and Kathy,, our condolences for the passing of Mary. She was a pistol Barb and myself have some very fond memories of our time at Talisman and the Kimberley Ski Club. Mary was a bright spot in everyone’s day. Be at peace Bill, Mary is always watching you and the family as she always did in Life.