Aria Mercedes Portonova

Aria Mercedes Portonova, 21, of Eustis, passed away Wednesday, August 30, 2023. Born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, she moved to Eustis in 2018 from Portage, Michigan. Aria worked in the Food Service industry and was a member of LifePointe Church, Eustis. She is survived by her parents, Nadine and Raymond (Jim ) Walker of Eustis, FL; grandmother, Barbara Wickel of Mount Dora, FL; brother, Nicholas Portonova of Eustis, FL; brother, Raymond Walker of Eustis, FL; brother, Joshua Anderson of Eustis, FL; sister, Elizabeth Portonova of Leesburg, FL; sister, Maisey Anderson of Eustis, FL. Aria was preceded in death by her father, Paul Portonova, and her sister, Cassandra Shoffner. Services will be held at LifePointe Church, Eustis, on Friday, September 8, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. She will be laid to rest with her father and sister in Dunmore Cemetery in Dunmore, Pennsylvania. Online Guestbook available at www.hardenpauli.com Arrangements by Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis, Florida.

We choose not to dwell on the tragedy of Aria's passing but to celebrate the beautiful soul she was and the profound impact she had on all our lives. Despite the significant obstacles she faced, Aria's extraordinary abilities, kindness, and sensitivity illuminated her journey. She was a remarkable young woman, and her memory will forever inspire and touch the hearts of those privileged to know her. Amid life's challenges, Aria found solace in her faith, seeking the Lord and turning to Jesus during moments of clarity and strength. Her heart overflowed with joy as she emerged from the water during her baptism, arms raised in celebration.

Aria had a creative spirit that knew no bounds. Through her art—be it a picture, poem, or song—she could convey emotions and thoughts that were sometimes too complex for words. She poured her heart and soul into every creation, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to resonate with all who are fortunate enough to experience her work.

One of the qualities that defined Aria was her empathetic ear and her caring heart. Her compassion was a beacon of hope in a world that often seems cold and indifferent. She had the remarkable ability to connect with others on a deep and meaningful level, offering solace and understanding in times of need.

Aria possessed a brilliant intellect and a razor-sharp memory. Her mind was a treasure trove of knowledge and ideas, and she had the unique capacity to see the world from different perspectives. Her brilliance was awe-inspiring, and she had the potential to achieve greatness in whatever she pursued.

Aria's insatiable curiosity seemed to drive her to understand her place in the world, the meaning of life, and its complexities at an early age. Her journey serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of compassion, understanding, and support for those who face their battles, no matter how tumultuous they may be. Aria's memory is an inspiration for all of us to be more compassionate, more understanding, and more willing to extend a helping hand to those who need it most.

Aria's journey through life may have been brief, but it was filled with a profound love that touched the hearts of all who knew her. She had a beautiful, caring heart that radiated warmth and kindness, making her an exceptional soul.

Aria's love for life was reflected in her love for New York City and her passion for traveling. She embraced the world with open arms, always eager to explore new horizons and discover the beauty that this world had to offer. She carried the vibrant spirit of the city with her, and her adventures were colored with the vivid hue of her favorite color, pink, reflecting her vibrant personality.

In sports, Aria was more than just an athlete; she was a competitive swimmer who soared to incredible heights. She mastered the butterfly stroke under the instruction of an Olympian, dominating competitions and adorning herself with medals, especially in her native Michigan. Her dedication and determination in the pool were symbolic of her unwavering commitment to excellence.

Beyond her athleticism, Aria's talents extended to the culinary arts. She was a self-taught home chef, and her kitchen was a place of creativity and exploration. Aria's culinary experiments often delighted those lucky enough to savor her dishes, particularly her homemade pretzels, which became a cherished holiday tradition.

Aria had a green thumb and a nurturing spirit. Her home was adorned with plants she lovingly grew from seeds, a testament to her patience and care. In her pursuit of creativity, she taught herself to knit and spent countless hours crafting baby hats, destined to bring warmth and comfort to newborns in need.

Aria's love wasn't confined to people alone; it extended to the animal kingdom. She shared her life with a faithful feline companion, and her heart brimmed with joy at the prospect of witnessing her other cat welcome a new generation of kittens. Her compassion also led her to adopt rescue animals from shelters, providing them with love and a forever home.

But perhaps what defined Aria most was her boundless compassion for others. She saw the beauty in humanity and made it her mission to uplift those in need. Random acts of kindness were a part of her daily life, like the time she shared a meal and a conversation with a homeless man, reminding us all of the power of human connection.

Aria's heart was especially drawn to children, and she poured her love into making a difference in their lives. She generously provided back-to-school supplies, clothing, and special birthday celebrations for the daughter of a friend who faced challenging circumstances. Her selflessness illuminated the path for others to follow, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is always room for compassion and love.

The beach held a special place in Aria's heart, providing her with solace and serenity. She also nurtured sunflowers with pride during the summer, a reflection of her sunny disposition and love for all things beautiful and bright.

Aria was not only a wonderful human being but also a source of laughter, sensitivity, and creativity. If you were fortunate enough to call her your friend, you knew that her loyalty knew no bounds. She would go to the ends of the earth for those she cared about, and her friendship was an enduring beacon of light in the lives of many.

In our hearts, Aria's love and light will continue to shine, a testament to the beautiful, caring heart she shared with us all. Though she is no longer with us, her legacy of love, compassion, and kindness will live on, reminding us to be better, more empathetic human beings.

As we remember Aria, let’s honor her memory by continuing to spread the love and goodness that she so selflessly exemplified. She has left an indelible mark on our lives, and her presence will forever be felt in the warmth of our hearts.