Joann Marie (Baird) Portillo

Joann Marie Portillo, age 70, passed away at her home in Elkhart with her loving family by her side on Thursday, April 28, 2022. Joann was born February 22, 1952, in Boston Massachusetts. She was a graduate of Mishawaka High School and was employed in the production department of Creation Windows of Elkhart for many years. In January of 2000, she married Ramon Portillo.

Ramon survives along with her children Annmarie Hostetler and Thomas (Susan) Caparell, both of South Bend and 6 stepchildren: Patricia (Oviedo) Jimenez of Elkhart, Norma (Marcos) Escamilla and Graciela (Sergio) Machado, both of Goshen, Ramon (Roxana) Jimenez Jr. of Elkhart Josue (Mirna) Jimenez of Goshen and Esaul Jurado of Elkhart.  Surviving as well are her sisters Diane Sabaj, Theresa (Greg) Pietrzak, and Karen (Tom) Anthony, and her sister-in-law Kay Vicsek, all of Mishawaka. Joann is also survived by five grandchildren, 21 step-grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, 1 step-great grandchild and her dogs Angel, Coco, Max and Oreo.  She was preceded in death by her father John Joseph Baird, her mother and stepfather Mary Theresa (Mandeville) and John Vicsek, and her brother Ed Vicsek.

Visitation will be held from 4-8 pm Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola. Funeral services will be held at noon Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at Cruz Family Funeral Home interment to follow in Fairview Cemetery of Mishawaka.

When Joann wasn’t working, she enjoyed spending time in the garden with Ramon, raising fresh vegetables that she would sell by the roadside at her home. Joann was extremely outgoing and enjoyed talking to the people she would meet at her vegetable stand, as well as while she and Ramon were out about town. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family and friends. She also had a deep love for the Lord and was a faithful and longtime member of the Willowdale Church of Christ in Elkhart.

Because of her love for animals, Joann’s family would like donations given to any low cost or “no kill” animal shelter in her name. To light a virtual candle, leave a message of comfort for her family, or share a story of her life, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.