Gertrude Felton Portante

Gertrude Felton Portante, 85, a retired teacher and psychologist, died June 26 on her 85th birthday at Epoch on Blackstone Boulevard, Providence, R.I. The wife of late Thomas Portante, she was born in McArthur, Ohio, a daughter of the late Thomas and Gertrude (Dillon) Felton.

Ms Portante was a teacher in the Newtown School System for many years before retiring 40 years ago. She previously was a practicing psychologist.

She was a graduate of Ohio University and received her master’s degree from Ohio State University. She was a Coast Guard Veteran of World War II serving in counterespionage.

Ms Portante is survived by one daughter, Kathleen Margaret Felton of East Providence, R.I.; one son, Thomas Felton Portante of Oakland, Calif.; one brother, Harold V. Felton of McArthur, Ohio; one sister, Margaret Robinson of Columbus, Ohio; and one granddaughter. She was a sister of the late Harriett Hunter, Mary, Vance, Robert, and Joseph Felton.

A graveside service was held July 1 at Rosehill Cemetery in Rocky Hill. Contributions in her memory may be sent to Save A Dog, PO Box 1108, Framingham MA 01701-1108.

The Newtown Bee        July 2, 2004