Obituary of LeaAnna Portmann

LeaAnna Portmann, loving and gracious friend to all, left this world to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 5, 2023.

LeaAnna was born on August 10, 1947, in Seattle, WA, to Don and Lavon Profit. The oldest sister to Donna (Rolf) Edlund and Deborah (Jim) Portmann, LeaAnna grew up in Fall City and Orting, WA. While attending Orting High School, LeaAnna first began to develop her leadership skills (and keen delegating talents) through her love of debate and student government. LeaAnna went on to attend Washington State University, majoring in Education. It was there that she had the opportunity to study abroad in Europe, initiating her lifelong love of travel. Later, LeaAnna would attend the University of Washington, earning her Master’s degree in School Administration.

LeaAnna married Robert Portmann on June 10, 1972. After meeting at her sister’s wedding reception and having driven Bob home, he handed LeaAnna the keys to his car and instructed her to pick him up the next morning for mass. And so their romance began. Being a talented carpenter, Bob was able to build their family home in Graham, WA, where they resided for the majority of their marriage. They were soon blessed with two children, Ryan (Angie) Portmann and Bethany (Kevin) Aoki.

LeaAnna’s life’s work was in education. She began her career in the North Shore school district as an elementary PE teacher, before having a short stint at All Saints Catholic School in Puyallup, WA. LeaAnna quickly learned that her leadership skills were needed, so she moved into various administrative positions in both Enumclaw and Eatonville school districts. Enumclaw soon became a place of pride for LeaAnna. She served as vice-principal of Enumclaw High School and as principal at Enumclaw Junior High. While at Enumclaw Junior HIgh, LeaAnna and her staff were presented with many prestigious awards, including the national Milken Educator Award, and were also recognized as a national Blue Ribbon School for their achievement and contribution to students. LeaAnna finished her career in Enumclaw as Director of Human Resources. The impact she made on this small community was immeasurable and will be remembered for years to come.

LeaAnna’s dedication to kids did not end with her career, as she was blessed with the opportunity to pass along her wisdom and guidance to her most proud accomplishments, her four grandkids. Grace, Sophie, Aiden, and Brennan were the absolute joys of her life. Anyone who crossed paths with LeaAnna was inevitably inundated with stories about them and their various milestones and achievements. Each held a very special and unique place in her heart, and they will forever miss her daily chats and “LeaAnna-isms,” unavoidably leaning on her sageness and counsel, as they navigate life’s crossroads.

Forever the optimist, LeaAnna taught us all that whenever there is a rain cloud, a rainbow is sure to follow. Those who were lucky enough to know her will inarguably say that nary a negative thought escaped her mouth. Eternally hopeful and faithful to the end, LeaAnna’s love of God carried her through every step of her long and impactful life. And although we will miss her terribly, we know that we will be able to dutifully honor her legacy through even the simplest gestures of gratitude, service, and friendship. Rest in sweet peace, Mom. We’ll take it from here.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, February 10th, 9:30 am, at Sts. Cosmas and Damian Catholic Church (213 Leber St. NW, Orting) A memorial reception will follow immediately at Frontier Park Lodge (21714 Meridian E., Graham) 11:00am-1:30pm. In lieu of flowers, our family kindly asks that donations be made to the Enumclaw Schools Foundation (www.enumclawschoolsfoundation.org)