Portia,
How can it be 15 years since you left us to be with the Lord?
You were my friend and partner in crime for over 20 years. How I miss you.
See you in Heaven one day.
Love,
Tamara

Today we’re here to remember our mother’s life. 
Our mom was more than just a mother to Lisa, Scott and myself, she was also a friend to many, a caregiver to her many animals over the years, and a mafia kingpin to her own makeup conglomerate known as Avon to her fellow employees at Southwest Gas. I never heard of a “hit” being put out on someone who tried to muscle in on her turf, but I wouldn’t have put it passed her.
Mom believed in the 3 C’s. Not the jewelry ones so much but these: The Casino; Her Cats; and Her children; in that order.
When she was gainfully employed she made sure that she made her trips often to the casinos. When she retired I kept telling her that she needed to see the world and travel. She would tell me, “I do travel; I travel to the casinos whenever I can.” Even though I gave her grief about throwing her money into the one armed bandit, I did love the occasional phone call that came through saying, “I won, where do you guys want to go to dinner tonight?” She never would tell me about her losses but she was a like a giddy little school girl whenever she hit it big.
Her other great love was her cats. My mom was quickly on her way to becoming the next “Cat Lady”. As a police officer I have gone on a couple of calls over the years with the typical cat lady. The type that does more for her cats than she does for herself. My mom loved her cats. She even loved those cats that weren’t hers. She set the food out on the front walk for the strays and even gave names to them. Due to my mom’s condition, I had to start going through her information, looking for health insurance information and to pay her bills. To show how much she loved her cats, not only did I find the Humane Society as an organization that she gave money to, but on every single account that I needed to access online, her password was the name of one of her cats. I even came across one of her accounts where she had to change PINs and the old password was one cat, it was scratched out and the new password was a different cat. 
The other c was her children. If we had something we needed my mom was always willing to help. Granted, we didn’t always want to ask, because if she did help us out as grownups it always came with a healthy dose of “Jewish Mother” guilt. There was even the occasional “oy vey” for good measure. But my mom made sure that we didn’t go without.
There is a bible passage that I want to talk about in closing. Normally, this would be a strange way to conclude a conversation about my mother but with recent developments it is very appropriate. 
In the book of Luke a story is told about three men just prior to their deaths. One man was being crucified to serve as a replacement and payment for the sins of mankind. This man was also God in the flesh. His name was Jesus. Jesus told people that, “No one comes to God the Father, except through me.” 
One man being crucified right next to Jesus knew all about Him. He had heard about Jesus, just like everyone else that was there that day. He just didn’t believe that Jesus was who He said He was. That man even told Jesus that, “if you are the Christ then save yourself and save us too.” All he was wanting was a physical relief that got him down off of his cross so he could live another day. This is exactly who my mom was. She heard about Jesus over the years. She would go to special services with my family where the Gospel was preached. She even heard about how Jesus was the only way to Heaven. She always thought, “That’s good for you, but I don’t believe it.” Every time my mom spoke of the Lord it was to sprinkle his name into conversation as an expletive. 
The third person being crucified that day was different. His sins made him worthy of death, just like all of us. He however, knew exactly who Jesus was and realized that Christ was the spiritual answer not the physical answer. When Jesus heard the man ask, “Remember me when you enter your kingdom”, Jesus told him that he would be with Him in Paradise that same day. That man had a deathbed conversion. Someone that lived their life in a way that was opposite of what God desired was still found acceptable in His sight because he believed who Jesus really was. Even though that belief didn’t take place until the very last moment of life.
In August, while my mom was lying in her hospital bed and things looked bleak, I asked her once again if she was ready to accept God’s free gift of salvation through Christ, and she finally said yes.
I now know that when I make it to heaven, my mom, one of heaven’s newest residents, will be right there to welcome me home because the one who is the only way to heaven became her Savior.
We love you mom.

My loving mother, I'm not handling this well - I don't know the words to express my feelings, but I found some from a song that I thought appropriate.  Alan Jackson:  "She flew up to heaven on the wings of angels, By the clouds and stars, and past where no one sees, and she walks with Jesus, and her loved ones waiting, and I know she's smiling saying, "Don't worry about me"..  You were the one that gave me my independence, and strength to deal with everything I've been through these years.  I'm struggling to find that strength right now, but I know in time you will show me the way back.  Thanks for always being there for me - seems to be the common theme here - your undevoted love and support will never be forgotten.  I will always love you mommy.  Lisabeth

We have known each other for about 30 years; worked together, golfed together, (if you call it that) laughed and cried. I will miss my dear friend and our lunches together.  We shared a lot over the years both good and bad.  I will hold our memories dear until I see you again.

To have, to love, and then to part
Is the greatest sorrow of one's heart.
Memories of those happy times when you were together 
Will forever be in your hearts

My prayers are with you and your family's

My dear cuz,
You will be greatly missed. I will always remember the good times and you will remain in my thoughts and my heart forever.Deepest sympathy to the entire family.Your loving cuz Lorraine

Dave, Debbie & Family -  We are so sorry about the loss of your mom (grandma), but are rejoicing with you that she is now with our Savior and suffering no more!  We love you guys and will continue to pray for your family as you walk through the memories and say goodbye - praise God, it's only for a while!  John and Becky East

My dearest cuz, 

Wish we could have spent more time together, like when we were kids, but the times we had were great.

I am so sorry you left us so soon.

My deepest sympathy to your entire family.  May God bring them all his loving peace as they hold you in their hearts forever.

Rest in Peace.

Love Revella

Portia,

I am sending you my picture
So you don't forget my face
Since you are up in heaven
God's wide and glorious place

Though your time on earth was brief
And we didn't see each other much
The important lesson that was learned
Is family must always keep in touch

            ~Rest in Peace~
           Your loving cousin,
                  Karen

Portia, it's been years since I've seen you and just happen to view my stepbrother 's Obituary today and saw your name....It was nice knowing you.  Lisa, Scott and David I'm so sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

My dear Cousin. I miss you so much. Although we haven't seen each other through the years, you were always in my heart and on my mind. I'll love you always.

Marilyn (and Bill)

Although we lost touch, I have never forgot your frienship, compassion and sense of humor. My deepest sympahty for Lisa, Scott, david and the rest of your family.
Rest in peace.

Niellie

Dear Portia,
It was my priviledge to have worked with you all those years.  I'll miss you.  Rest in peace.  Love,
Debbie Stamas

My dear Portia, you will always be with me.  You will be missed but I have wonderful memories to keep until I see you again.
My heart goes out to Lisa, Scott and David. I love you all.
Now you can rest in peace.
Ruth

Hi Sis,
I feel an emptiness in my heart without you. You were always there for me when I needed help or just an honest opinion. Thank you for everything you did to make my life easier.  Rest in Peace.

Your Loving Sister,

Pun

Portia,
Your absence will be deeply felt, but the knowledge that we will see you again one day fills our hearts with joy.  Thank you for all you've done for the family through the years and for being such an important part of our lives.

Love,

Mom,
I am going to miss the way you got my sarcastic sense of humor. Not everyone can appreciate it! Even when I called you Mothra instead of Mom, you laughed. There is an emptiness now but it will be a fantastic reunion when we meet again! You are the eleventh hour worker that Matthew 20 talks about. It is not by our work that our reward is earned but by His grace!
You are loved and missed,

OBITUARY

Portia Pubins

January 1, 1943 – September 17, 2010

Sunland Memorial Park, Mortuary & Cremation Center

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