Wendy Portnoy

With profound love and sadness, we share the peaceful passing of Wendy Portnoy on August 29, 2025. Born to Nathan and Sylvia (Falkow) Needleman, Wendy was a devoted daughter and a loving sister to Dr. Robert Needleman and Harriet Frenzel, and to the late Frank Needleman. She grew up in West Philadelphia, later moving to Northeast Philadelphia, where she graduated from Northeast High School in 1959.

A spirited tomboy as a child and lifelong Phillies fan, Wendy’s love of sports was a passion she joyfully shared with family and friends. After high school she worked at Smith, Kline and French. A blind date in 1960 changed her life—she met her soulmate, Leonard (“Len”) Portnoy. They married in February 1961 and spent time in Arkansas during Len’s Army service before returning to Northeast Philadelphia, where they welcomed their sons, Bruce (1963) and Alan (1966).

Wendy poured her heart into creating a warm, immaculate home—so much so that when they sold their house on Oakland Street, the listing famously read, “Mrs. Clean Lives Here.” She loved to cook, to cheer on her teams, to take in the theater, and, most of all, to make sure her family had everything they needed.

In time, Wendy returned to work, first alongside Len in the family business and later at GMAC Mortgage, where she spent 20 dedicated years before retiring. She cherished lifelong friends and welcomed new ones from the gym and chair yoga, but her greatest joy was always time spent with her family.

Wendy was predeceased by her beloved son, Bruce. She is survived by the love of her life and husband of 64 years, Leonard; her son, Alan; her daughter-in-law, Kathy (Odorow) Portnoy; and her granddaughters, Beth and Melissa. To know Wendy was to deeply love and cherish her—she was that special. May her memory be a blessing.

Relatives and friends are invited to Funeral services on Wednesday, September 3, 1:00 PM precisely at Roosevelt Memorial Park, 2701 Old Lincoln Highway, Trevose PA, 19053. Following services friends and family are welcome to return to the home of Wendy and Leonard Portnoy. Shiva/visitation will continue September 4 from 4-8 PM at Wendy and Leonard’s home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Fox Chase Cancer Center.