Lillian “Lilly” Portenier, 27, of Raleigh, NC died on Wednesday morning, February 12, 2025. Lilly was born on August 6, 1997 in Charleston, SC. She was the daughter of Alissa Portenier and younger sister of Savanna Portenier. She had two daughters Elliana (1) and Celina (5 months) with Jonathon Anguisaca. She was a beloved mother, sister, daughter, niece, granddaughter, cousin, coworker, and friend to many.

To know Lilly was to know goodness, kindness, and warmth. She was a shining light that brought joy to everyone she touched. Lilly loved fiercely and forever; she would do anything for the people she loved. She was beautiful, creative, smart, empathetic, kinda goofy, and really funny. Always laughing and smiling no matter what.

She had her imperfections too. She always left the cabinets and drawers open, was really bad about texting back, often ate ice cream for dinner-often, and stubbornly tried to do everything on her own.

She loved candy, the color brown-in every shade, raunchy memes, dogs, card games, long showers, recycling, advocating, and music. But most of all she loved her family and her daughters. She was an amazing mother, always playing, reading, nurturing, and showering her girls with love. Her family loves and misses her so, so much.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 6pm on Friday, February 21st at Renaissance Funeral Home, 7615 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC, 27615.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to support Elliana and Celina’s futures at https://gofund.me/3015b570

In honor of Lilly, we want to bring awareness to postpartum depression, a serious mental condition that can suddenly affect new mothers up to the first year after birth. The severity often goes unspoken. If you or someone you love is struggling, please let them know that help is available. Visit PostpartumDepression.org to learn more about symptoms, resources, and support. Check in with parents of young children in your life and let them know that they don’t need to suffer in silence.