Portman

Rosalie Joan Bayer Portman, 71, died at 2:50 a.m. Tuesday in the VNA Inpatient Hospice after a short illness, strong fight and a full life.

Born July 30, 1938, in Butler, she was the daughter of the late John Paul Bayer and Lucille Elizabeth Schaffner Bayer.

Rosalie was dedicated to her family as a full-time wife, mother and grandparent. She had a rich relationship with her son-in-law and daughter-in-law, James Lewis and Tami Portman. She was devoted to her children and grandchildren, and gave many hours to their care and involvement with their activities. She savored her special relationships with her nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Most of her time was spent in reunion with her family celebrating with their ritual weekends at A.J.'s and Roe-Roe's home farm. Her love of cooking was always evident when visiting her home. She had a special love of Schnauzer dogs and her loving pet, Chaine. Her hobbies included: gardening, painting, antiquing, music and she possessed a unique talent in her sewing and costume making. Most of all, many of her years were spent on her annual vacations at Marco Island loving the sun, beach, ocean and family. Lastly, she had a unique way of caring for others and accommodating them with love and constant giving. She retired from the SheLor School of Dance after 16 years as office manager, but never stopped being involved in the dance studio. Her life was certainly shortened too soon, but her memories and impressions will live on.

Mrs. Portman is survived by her husband, Albert Joseph "AJ" Portman, who she married Nov. 22, 1956; a son, John Portman and his wife Tami of Export; a daughter, Lori Portman-Lewis and her husband Jim of Butler; two grandchildren, Evan Portman and Lucy Lewis; and three step-grandchildren, Michael, Hadie and Eric Lewis. She also is survived by one sister, Mary Lou Field of Butler; five nieces; six nephews; and a number of great nieces and great nephews.

Mrs. Portman was preceded in death by a daughter, Shelly Portman and a brother, William J. Bayer.

<B>PORTMAN </B>— Friends of Rosalie Joan Bayer Portman, who died Tuesday, May 18, 2010, will be received from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, at the <B>THOMPSON-MILLER FUNERAL HOME,</B> 124 E. North St., Butler. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with her son-in-law, the Rev. Jim Lewis of West Liberty United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will follow in St. Peters Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to VNA Inpatient Hospice, 115 Technology Drive, Butler, PA 16001.Information and private guest book is available at www.thompson-miller.com.