Flora Porterfield

Flora Porterfield, born in 1957 in Tehran, Iran, died on Monday, April 10, 2006 in San Antonio. When the Shah's government fell, Flora demonstrated her courage and a desire for freedom. She was forced to leave her parents at age 18. She was alone with one suitcase and not speaking English, when she came to America to seek a free life. Her first American home was with the Chabad Lubavitch Organization in New York City. She later arrived in Odessa, Texas, where she received her education and met her husband of 23 years. Arriving in San Antonio in 1987, she became an American citizen and an active member of the Jewish community.

She delighted family and friends with her Persian delicacies, dancing, and jewelry making. Flora celebrated life, and loved being a mother, wife and a friend. She had a twinkle in her eye and a smile in her voice. She had an accent that set her apart and a spirit that made her special.

Flora is survived by her husband, Milton, and her children, Isaac and Nicole of San Antonio; her parents, Shlomo and Jamileh Ghatan, and her brother, David Ghatan, of Israel; and her sisters, Lida Nourani, Roya Bababagey, and Ruth Zohoori of California.