On January 14, 2026, my mother, MaryAnn Portelli passed away quietly at home at the age of 87.
She went to the hospital on December 12, 2025, was almost sent to a rehab facility then took a turn for the worst. By Dec.19, doctors began to tell us to prepare of her ending. She was sent to the ICU and stayed there for ten days, never improving and with the doctors saying that she could not survive with the 5 IVs she had (and which she kept tearing at). So my brothers and I decided to disconnect her from all that on Dec. 29. The doctors said that she probably wouldn't survive more than a few hours. Two days later they transfered her to the comfort care ward. She received only pain medication, barely ate, did not speak and was unaware of anything.
The hospital told us that she could not stay there under her insurance so we took her home on Jan. 9 for home hospice, getting supplies as we needed as she was given nothing. We got a motorized bed, oxygen machine and an aide from 8am to 10 pm. I was the one who had to administer the pain meds and help tend to her. She stopped eating and taking her meds on Jan. 13 and passed the next day, her long ordeal finally over.
She was born in Malta when it was part of the British Empire and lived through constant bombing during World War II. She came to America with her family in 1950, marrying my father in 1963 and starting a family with sons Richard (1964), me (1965), Robert (1967) and Michael (1970). She had ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren with another on the way and more to follow.
Her health suffered and she's been ina wheelchair since she was 70.
My father passed away in 2014.
She had ng love for the Royal Family, Elvis, JFK, Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor, Broadway musicals, Tony Bennett, Little House on the Prarie, The Waltons, Dallas, Dynasty, Three's Company, Country Music (especially Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Kenny Rogers), JAG, NCIS, Friends, the Big Bang Theory, Gilmore Girls, When Calls the Heart and Chicago Fire.
She bought me my first comic books for Christmas 1972, a move she would later come to regret but she listened as I talked about the super-heroes, Star Trek and the rest of my interests.
Her wake is Tuesday Jan. 20 and her funeral on the 20th.
I do not know what my future holds as I've taken care of her for the last seventeen years but I will try to be as strong as she was.
But I will missher.
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When my mother bought me comics books, she tended to focus on Superman, Batman and Spider-Man.
I was lucky that she got Justice League of America #103 because it made me love team books and showed me the Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkman and Green Arrow. With the added bonus of the Phantom Stranger.
According to Mike's Amazing World of Comics, #104 was out a week before Christmas but I'm glad that I got ##103, the Halloween issue as it is a stronger story!
The sexual aspects of Superman #261 was beyond young me but Star Sapphire was memorable, Lois Lane had a major role and there was even a "cameo" by Green Lantern.
Batman #247 was a Christmas issue and a strong crime drama/film noire outing though I had no idea what that meant.
To this day, I couldn't say if I read Batman first or saw either the cartoon or TV show.
Marvel Team-Up #7 was my first Marvel comic and it was your average Asgardian menace story.
But my mother always like Thor!
I'm so very sorry for your loss, Philip. I hope the coming days give you all the strength and comfort I'm sure you imparted to your mom for all these years.
My condolences to you and your family.
Sincerest condolences on your loss. May her name be for blessing in the Book of Life.
ELS
So sorry for your loss, Philip. A great tribute to her.
I know that no matter how expected the death of family is, it is never easy.
I think you are strong enough to go forward, All my best.
I am sorry for your loss, Philip.
I hope you find peace and celebrate the good things that you had from being with her.
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