FORT ANN – Rita Dickinson Porteous, 99, of Pillar Way, went into the arms of the Lord, on Thursday, December 27, 2018 at Fort Hudson Health Care Facility in Fort Edward.
Born on December 1, 1919 in Fenimore, she was the daughter of the late John and Helen (LaPointe) Dickinson.
In 1938, Rita graduated from Hudson Falls High School.
On June 29, 1940, she married Roy A. Porteous at the Hudson Falls United Methodist Church. He passed away on July 17, 2005, after 65 wonderful years of marriage.
For several years, she worked in the cafeteria at the Fenimore School and for over 35 years, she was employed as a presser at A Roxy Cleaners in Hudson Falls.
Rita was an active member of the West Fort Ann United Methodist Church, where she was belonged to the West Fort Ann United Methodist Women’s Society.
She also was a 50 year member of the Hudson Falls American Legion Auxiliary Post 574, where she was at one time President. Rita was Chapeau of the New York 8/40, a charter member of the Washington County 8/40 and a charter member of the West Fort Ann Fire Auxiliary.
She enjoyed knitting, reading, going to meetings and camping with her children. Rita also loved to travel, play bingo, pinochle and the game, Sorry. The most precious thing in her life was spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Besides her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her daughter, Edna Sexton, three brothers, Myron Dickinson, Thomas Dickinson and John Dickinson, Jr, as well as her three sisters, Lorraine Jenkins, Betty Meade and Patricia Havens.
Survivors include her four daughters, Judith Johnson and her husband, Carlton formerly of Glens Falls, Helen “Honey” Edwards and her husband, John of West Fort Ann, Joyce Monahan of West Fort Ann and Eugenia Dragon and her husband, John of West Fort Ann; her 12 grandchildren, Brian, Scott, Matthew, Paul and Jennifer Johnson, Colleen, Allen and Brent Edwards, John and Roy Sexton, Carla Willard, Michael Monahan and David Dragon; several great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; two sisters, Sally Gleason of South Glens Falls and Virginia Hill of Fenimore; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Friends may call on Wednesday, January 2, 2019, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
The Hudson Falls American Legion Auxiliary Post # 574 will meet at the funeral home at 4 p.m. on Wednesday evening.
A Funeral Service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, at the funeral home.
Burial will follow at Union Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward.
Her family suggests that memorial donations be made to the West Fort Ann United Methodist Church, Fort Ann, NY 12827.
Rita’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff of S Wing and G Wing at the Fort Hudson Health Care Facility for all their care and compassion given to her and her family.
I will miss u my prayers with the family
Genia, Joyce, Honey, Judy:
I was so sad to hear about your mother’s passing. It doesn’t seem that long ago when I ran into your mother on a shopping trip with Honey at Walmart several years back when I was working a second job there.
Thinking about your mother brings back many warm memories of spending time at your house in Fenimore and at Hadlock. In my mind’s eye, I always picture your mom looking just like she did in our teenage years.
I marveled then (and, maybe more so now when I think about it as an adult with my own family) on how your mother worked full-time, managed a household, raised five girls and put up with all their friends. She was truly ahead of her time.
For her to live long enough to see four generations ensures that her legacy will live on for a long time as those generations pass down memories of her to the upcoming generations.
Please accept my condolences.