Mardell Gloria Portin

Mardell Gloria Portin (Mardie) of Seattle Washington passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday February 18, 2025, at the age of 90. She was born on September 1, 1934, in Hatton North Dakota. As the youngest of eight children to Oscar and Gina Sletten, she spent her early childhood on the farm. Mardell moved with her family to Seattle Washington, where she graduated from Cleveland High School in 1952. After graduating, she met and married Arvid Portin. Their early marriage revolved around supporting Arvid’s service in the US Army, which included an overseas assignment to Okinawa. In 1967 they moved to Bellevue where they raised their family. Mardie remained in the family home until 2021 when she relocated to Touchmark Senior Living in Spokane Washington, enjoying an active life with friends.

Mardie worked from an early age and continued until the children arrived. As the kids moved into high school, she returned to work, encouraging and supporting them to pursue degrees in higher education. She retired after 10 years as a Legal Assistant to the Administrative Law Judges at the Washington State Department of Employment Securities. Her lifelong goal of supporting her three children in completing a university degree was achieved, followed by all seven grandchildren completing their University studies.

After retirement, Mardie and Arv enjoyed traveling in their motorhome, including a 7-week drive to Alaska on the Al-Can Highway. They made visits to see extended family and historic family sites in Norway and Sweden. Together they enjoyed cruising and travel within the US, Canada, and Mexico. Mardie and Arvid actively volunteered with the Telephone Pioneers, focusing on efforts to provide books for children, encouraging literacy and a lifelong love of reading and learning. Mardie remained active at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Bellevue and the Newcastle YMCA AOA exercise class and continued to participate online. At the Touchmark, there were many outings and activities, and her circle of friends could be found with her at any number of activities. Her family was her pride and joy, and she loved keeping track of all the family’s events and activities.

She was the family matriarch, instilling a love for her Norwegian and Scandinavian heritage. Mom ensured everyone was instructed in the fine art of making lefse! She could be counted on to make Swedish pancakes anytime family would visit or on special request from any of her grandchildren. Her recent 90th birthday was a grand celebration, with all her children and grandchildren in attendance.

Mardell is predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Arvid Portin, as well as her parents, Oscar, and Gina (Lyste) Sletten, sisters Irene and Joyce, and brothers Kenneth, Orville, Vernon, Glen, and Arvid. She is survived by her children, Sharyl Bergerud (Clark), Mark Portin and Bill Portin (Roselle), and grandchildren Christopher, Sarah, Stephen, Ryan, Sonja, Andrew, and Amelia.

The family would like to thank Touchmark Senior Living in Spokane for welcoming Mardell into their family and providing a warm and loving environment. We would also like to thank Multicare Deaconess Hospital and Horizon Hospice for their care.

Mardell will be interred with Arvid at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent Washington.

Gifts in her name may be made to Fred Hutch Obliteride, in support of a cure for cancer.