Jolene Orts, 52

Jolene Orts, 52, of Rensselear, NY, passed peacefully in the arms of her children on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, after a courageous battle with cancer. 

She was born in Dover, NJ, the beloved daughter of Mary and Carlos Poveda. Jolene spent most of her adult life living between Pittsfield, Mass., and Patterson, NJ.  Over the years she held many jobs and certifications which included working as a PCA and as a paraprofessional in the Pittsfield school system. Her biggest source of pride in her life were her eight grandchildren. She loved Latin dancing and cooking. 

Jolene is survived by her three children, Ezdras Orts of Rensselear, Airaceli Murray and her husband Stephen of North Adams and Isadora Auqui of Pittsfield. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Natalia, Julia, Elijah, Marceline, Anthony, Yaraliz, Ezekiel and Viviana. She also leaves behind her sister Robin Williams of West Palm Beach, Fla., as well as her cousin Michael Baylor and partner Alcides Santiago of Chicopee. She is predeceased by her brothers Craig Orts and Mark Nelson.

Jolene is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, as well as the children of her former partner, with whom she maintained relationships, Kevin Santana-Menendez and Wanda Santana. She is predeceased by his son, Jose Santana, who she loved and mourned as her own. 

She also leaves behind her best friends, who she loved as sisters: Lisa Porter-Phillips and her four sons, of South Newfane, Vt., and Tina Upton.  

Services will be private at her request. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to  The Community Hospice of Albany.