Portia (Morrison) Drown , of 98 Green St., St. Johnsbury, passed away peacefully in the presence of her family Wednesday evening, Nov. 5, 2008, at the age of 89. She was born Sept. 8, 1919, in St. Johnsbury, the first child of Samuel and Kathleen (Gray) Morrison. Portia and Maurice E. Drown grew up together in St. Johnsbury, married in 1940, and raised their family on Green Street. Portia lived her life filled with family, faith, and many close friendships, even those budded within her final years. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren (including most recently born infants, Sean and Lillianne) felt the special warmth of her touch and her smile. She greatly enjoyed her many creative activities over the years at Grace Methodist Church and with the Academy Class of 1937, and her 20 years of service to the New England Telephone Company. Even in the last few years, Sunday school students and church friends continued to add comforts to her life. Her Class of '37 mates fondly remember her as the inspiration behind their regular gatherings, and telephone company co-workers warmly recall the fun overnights at camp while working in the White River Junction office. Other organizational and volunteer activities included the Adult Day Care program, AARP, and the Eastern Star. Portia is survived by her husband of 68 years, Maurice; four of their five children, Nathan, Cheryl, Maurice, Jr. (Mick), and Janet; 12 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; her sister, Barbara Ann; her brother, Kermit; sisters- and- brothers-in-law; and cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by their son, Jared (Jerry), on Sept. 7, 1998; her brother, Maxwell; her sister, Gretchen; as well as several sisters- and- brothers-in-law. Mick conducted the private family funeral service on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008, at the Sayles Funeral Home. Burial followed in the family lot at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. A memorial celebration of Portia's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Portia's memory to the Alzheimer's Association of Vermont, 172 North Main St., Barre, VT 05641.