Barbara Merriel Murdoch (Chassey) Portanova, 99, entered into eternal rest on Aug. 17. Barbara was the beloved wife of John E. Portanova. She was a loving mother to her son Scott Murdoch and his wife Barbara of S. Yarmouth; her daughters Maureen Amati and her husband Rick of Kingston; Trish Murdoch and her husband Jeff Speen of Hopedale; and Suzanne Murdoch of Bridgewater. She was also the proud grandmother to Sean, Shannon, Tony and Sam Murdoch, and their families, including Barbara’s five great-grandchildren. Barbara carried in her heart cherished memories of her pre-deceased loved ones: her daughter Diana Claire, her grandson Warren Murdoch, and her children’s devoted, father John J. Murdoch II of Middleborough.
Barbara was the stylish and vivacious only daughter to her parents, Merriel and George Chassey of Bridgewater, raised in their family home with her brothers George, Eliot, and Richard Chassey. Fun-loving and active, Barbara adored her family and happily raised her five children with her husband Jock in their hometown of Brockton, until his untimely passing in 1965. Barbara’s eternal optimism and deep Catholic faith helped her through this and all of life’s inevitable tragedies. She had a wonderful, mischievous sense of humor.
Barbara was especially fond of music. She played trombone in a marching band as a youngster, and she loved to sing, reliably remembering the lyrics to an astonishing number of tunes. Barbara’s husband John reflected upon his musical upbringing and vocation playing piano. Joyfully accompanied by Barbara’s singing, it was a beautiful soundtrack to their remarkable 51-year marriage. Barbara will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Family and friends are invited to gather for Visiting Hours at Cartmell-Davis Funeral Home, 150 Court St., Plymouth, on Thursday, Aug. 22, from 4 to 7 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 340 Centre St. Middleborough, on Friday, Aug. 23, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Diamond Blackfan Anemia Foundation or Boston Children’s Hospital.