Mary "Meach" L Portillos

Our mom was born on April 18,1943 in Pueblo, Colorado where she attended Central High School and was an avid softball player.

After graduation our mom moved to Denver where she worked as an LPN and took care of people for over 40 years. Our mom was the first LPN to serve on the Colorado Joint Board of Nursing. In 1992 our mom was nominated to serve on the Colorado Board of Nursing, so she gave up her President position for the Colorado Joint Board of Nursing as she became the first LPN to serve on the Board. Five years later our mom was nominated to serve as the President of the Colorado Board of Nursing making her not only the first LPN but the first Latina woman to do so. Our mom did such a great job that she was elected to a second term. She spent several years at the state capitol fighting for the interests of nurses.

Our mom is survived by her three children, Gary Portillos (Kelley Schamp), Shirley “Shirl” Portillos (Barb Griess) and Tricia Portillos Williams (Josh Williams). She loved all her grandchildren beyond measure and would do anything for them to be successful-her grandchildren include Brooke Portillos Williams (Tiffani Israel), Maya Williams (Bri Mattix), Isa Williams, Sophie Williams, Brianna Lenz. Our mom also had two great grandchildren- Elliott Lucero and Penelope Baker. Her loving dog, Chance, will also miss her greatly.

Our mom also is survived by her brother, Frank Hernandez, and her sister Vera Esquivel as well as nieces and nephews who she loved dearly. She is preceded in death by her parents, Baldomero Hernandez and Connie Quintanilla and many brothers and sisters.

Our mom’s heart was always filled with love for everyone. She was not afraid to speak her mind or fight for the underdog. She also never passed up an opportunity to tease everyone she met. We will remember our mom as a compassionate, caring and loving mom who raised us to fight for what we believe.

We will miss you so much mom!

Please join us for a celebration of life on Friday, January 17, 2025 from 3-6pm at the Northglenn Elk's Lodge, 10969 Irma Drive, Northglenn, CO.