Obituary
Ann Marie Porta went home to Jesus on October 3, 2023 at the age of 89.
Ann Marie was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to John Henry and Frances Gertrude Gramz on May 15, 1934.
Ann Marie was raised Roman Catholic. She is the eldest of 18 children and mother of seven children. She chose to become a registered nurse specializing in intensive care and maternal child health in Brevard County Florida and in Houston Texas. She met her husband, Robert J Porta at the Elliot skating rink. They married at St James church in Pittsburgh, PA on June 09, 1956.
Ann Marie has devoted her life to helping others and her rewards are other people’s happiness and comforts. Early on she was very active as a volunteer at the Titusville Nursing and Convalescent Center. She did many acts of kindness for the patients and other helpful jobs to make life brighter for everyone. She was an active member of St. Teresa’s Catholic Church, involved in ministry to the seriously ill and the Awareness Program, which provided supplies to the needy.
After retiring to The Villages, Fl., she began volunteering at Summerfield Suites, providing spiritual leadership and teaching relaxation and breathing techniques. She believed that spiritual and physical well-being are beautiful gifts from God. She was among the first group to be certified in Ministry to the Sick by the Diocese of Orlando. She designed and implemented many creative, educational and spiritual programs for St Timothy’s Catholic Church.
Ann Marie is preceded in death by: her parents, her husband Robert, and her first born son, John. She is survived by her children, Joe (Linda), Robert II, Michael (Libbi), Roseann Frances, Dan (Ronda), and Mary Frances. She also leaves behind 11 Grandchildren, and 11 Great Grandchildren. As well as many nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters -in –law, in Pittsburgh, and throughout the USA.
Exodus 23:20
“See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.”
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, Oct. 12, from 1:30 until 3:30 in St. Timothy Catholic Church, 1351 Paige Pl., Lady Lake. Her Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday morning, Oct. 13, at 10:00 in St. Timothy Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Timothy Catholic Church, 1351 Paige Ln., Lady Lake, FL, 32159. Arrangements entrusted with BALDWIN BROTHERS Funeral & Cremation Society-Spanish Springs, 352-430-1449. Sentiments are encouraged at www.baldwincremation.com.
Service
1351 Paige Pl. Lady Lake
Mims, Florida
Visitation
1351 Paige Pl, Lady lake
RMeyer
Picture of Mrs. Porta and David Price outside the delivery rooms at Jess Parrish Hospital after the birth of Dave's 2nd daughter, Christina, on May 25, 1985.
I got to know Ann Marie even better when her health started failing a little after her husband passed and I, being a caregiver by trade, was asked to come from time to time to stay with her so that her daughter, Mary, could get some relief.
Although I know Ann Marie was going through some pain and suffering I never heard her complain. She always greeted me with that beautiful smile and always asked about my family, my sister in particular because she has a lot of ailments, and not only did she ask about them she would ask for the name of the friend, family member or anyone else I was telling her about so she could pray for them specifically.
I found Ann Marie to be very humble. I knew she was an RN but had not heard a word about all of her past accomplishments and volunteer work, frankly I was in awe when I read about them in her obituary and on her tribute wall. I know for a fact that Ann Marie loved the Lord and loved reading His word, in the Bible. Hers was a life of faith and goodwill. Second only to God was her immense love for her family and she was very proud of them all.
I feel blessed to have known Ann Marie Porta look forward to meeting her again in heaven.
You have always been a symbol of strength for me to follow. As my godmother and aunt you led me to my path in life as an RN and I am forever thankful. Your bright laughter will always fill my heart.
You are loved, Colleen
Kris Sendelbach RN, PHN, FCN
ACTheals, President-Elect