Funeral Details

Anita Joyce (Baskin) Portugal. Daughter of the late Louis and Rose Baskin (Gellman), wife of nearly 63 years to the late Ronald Portugal, mother of Cary Portugal; Lauren Kaufman (Chuck), grandmother of Matthew & Allison Portugal and Jamie & Alex Kaufman. Born and raised in Chicago, Graduated from Senn HS (Chicago). Graduated with Highest Distinction from Northwestern University School of Speech (now School of Communication). First job after college was as an elementary school teacher; took a few years off to raise children; returned to educational field as an Editor in College & Professional division for Scott Foresman and Co. (now Pearson Education); after leaving ran a freelance editorial business for 25 years. In later years volunteered as a Master Gardner in Plant Information for the Chicago Botanic Garden for 20 years; as a longtime member of The Saints: Volunteers for the Performing Arts, enjoyed ushering for many Chicago theater productions. Renewed ties to Northwestern University by serving as volunteer usher coordinator for The Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz School of the Performing Arts. Prior to that was Volunteer usher coordinator for Apple Tree Theater in Highland Park; served as usher coordinator for the Northbrook Symphony. As an only child of European immigrants who were dedicated to their daughter getting the highest education possible, Anita was most proud of her scholastic and personal accomplishments. She was also always grateful for having been welcomed into Ronald’s large and loving extended family. As an only child with no relatives nearby, she considered them as part of her own family. Although she loved her family, she never considered herself as a “woman of valor” as she was most dedicated to her intellectual and career accomplishments. Memorial contributions: The Saints: Volunteer for the Performing Arts; Cancer Wellness Center; Northbrook Symphony. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com