Gwendolyn Portwood

Gwendolyn Portwood, 92, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Davenport Lutheran Home.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 17, at Mount Hope Cemetery, in Chicago, Illinois. Cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory, Moline, Illinois, under the direction of Trimble Funeral Home.

Gwendolyn Love was born on May 1, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of William Sr. and Alene (Howard) Love. She married Lester Portwood, and together they had three children before later separating. Throughout her life, Gwendolyn worked in many different careers, including as a homemaker, teacher, and in testing with Science Research Associates (SRA).

She loved to travel and took every opportunity she could to see the world. That passion for travel became even more special when her daughter, Pam, began working for an airline. Together with Pam and her grandson, Brandon, she traveled to many places around the world. While she saw many wonderful places, Egypt was one she would never forget. She was also an avid fan of the Chicago Bears and Chicago White Sox. Above all, Gwendolyn was the matriarch of her family. Her world revolved around her children and grandchildren, and she cherished the time she spent with them.

Gwendolyn is survived by her children, Cheryl Portwood-Emery of Hazel Crest, Illinois, Sheree (Carl) Crawford, and Pamela Portwood, both of Davenport, Iowa; grandchildren, Brandon (Gabrielle Albers) Portwood-Crawford, Megan (Jamilla Zackery) Peden, and Jordan (Nia) Peden; great-grandchildren, Grace Albers-Crawford, Roman Peden, Millan Peden-Rogers, Tristan Spells, and Louis Frye; many nieces and nephews; and many others she lovingly adopted into her heart. She was preceded by her parents, William and Alene Love Sr.; siblings, William Love Jr., Bernice Palmer, and Melvin Love; and father of her children, Lester Portwood.

The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.