IN MEMORIAM: Beverly Porteus ’88
The Rev. Beverly S. Porteus (née Lugrin) age 75, died Monday, August 8, 2022 following a lengthy illness. She was born on April 28, 1947 in Freeport, N.Y. to Arthur and Beatrice Lugrin.
Porteus graduated from college in 1969 and for 20 years she pursued a career in television production, living and working in Manhattan. Nineteen eighty-eight was a pivotal year; on April 9 she married the love of her life, Christopher M. Porteus, Class of 1982. They had been married 33 years when he died on December 12, 2021.
In December of that same year, after receiving her certificate in Anglican Studies from General, she fulfilled her calling and was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Paul Moore.
Most of her ordained career was served in the life and leadership of the Diocese of Easton. She also served in Delaware and the southern part of the Diocese of Pennsylvania. Porteus served at the Episcopal Church in Kennett Square, PA, Saint Peter's Church in Salisbury, MD, and All Saints Church in Delmar, DE, in the ensuing years. In 1995, she became rector at Trinity Episcopal Church in Elkton, MD -- the first female rector to serve a parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Easton, a distinction which she modestly treasured. Porteus was also the first female clerical president of the standing committee and served on the Diocesan Council. She was a Chaplain for Daughters of the King.
Though Porteus retired in 2011, she still loved being in church and singing. Her classically trained voice was a gift that everyone enjoyed. She loved being with friends, playing scrabble, and fine fare including her friend Mitzie's freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. Anyone that knew Beverly, loved Beverly. She had the best laugh, best hugs, and a heart of gold.
Porteus is survived by her step daughters, Emily and Katherine Currier of Burlington, VT, her brothers-in-law, Jonathan and Milton Porteus of Wellfleet, MA, and their families, including many nieces, nephews and a great niece. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, the Rev. Christopher M. Porteus, her parents, Arthur and Beatrice Lugrin, and her brother Jack Lugrin.
Colleagues and friends describe her as someone who lived life joyfully and faithfully. She was someone who carried through on commitments to family, friends, and Church.
A Memorial Celebration will be held at Trinity Church, Elkton on Saturday September 10 at 11 a.m. Condolences may be sent to her friends at Trinity Church at 105 N Bridge St Elkton MD 21921
The burial will be at the Episcopal Chapel of St. James the Fisherman in Wellfleet, MA.
Memorial donations in Beverly's honor may be sent to Trinity Episcopal Church, 105 North Bridge St., Elkton, MD 21921.
To send online condolences to family please visit www.rtfoard.com
From an obituary in the Cecil Daily Whig, August 24, 2022