Portia Gwen (Raider) Harcus

Portia Gwen (Raider) Harcus, of Boston, passed away on July 14, 2022. Portia was born February 28, 1934, in Brockton and was raised in Sharon.  She attended Wheaton College where she majored in Economics.  She traveled to Paris and took art history classes in Boston.  After returning to Boston, Portia went to work for the front office of The Boston Celtics, cementing her passion for basketball and her love of The Celts – she was a season ticket holder for decades.

Portia was co-owner of The Harcus-Krakow gallery of Newbury Street for many years and then Director of Harcus Gallery on South Avenue in Boston.  She continued as an independent art dealer and consultant.

Portia curated numerous art shows at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, where she also served on the Board of Governors.  She was considered an expert and highly regarded in her field. Throughout her life, she mentored many young artists, students, and gallery interns and encouraged their careers.

Portia was a strong, independent woman, and her determination was reflected in both her professional and personal life.  Her zest for life and adventurous spirit took her around the globe where she developed many friendships. For forty-plus years, Aspen, Colorado was a second home for her.  She was drawn to both the mountains and the oceans.  She relished the waters of Scituate as well as the beaches of Cape Cod.  From her early childhood, Portia was an outstanding athlete.  Skiing double diamonds in Aspen through her mid-eighties, and playing tennis, hiking, swimming throughout her life.

Portia epitomized style and haute couture.  She loved shopping and spent many hours in the original Filene’s Basement, which led her to be named Best Dressed in Boston Magazine.

Portia lived her life to the fullest and created her own path without compromise.

Portia was pre-deceased by her brother Herbert Raider and his wife Martha.  She lives on through the hearts of her nieces and nephews Lisa and Tom Doran, Bruce Raider and his wife Deborah Woodford, and Edward (deceased) and Phyllis Raider, as well as her many beloved grand-nieces, grand-nephews, cousins, and their families.

A graveside funeral will be held at Sharon Memorial Park on Sunday, July 17 at 9:45 am.  Masks are requested.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Portia’s memory may be sent to Planned Parenthood (https://www.plannedparenthood.org/get-involved/other-ways-give) or the School of the Museum of Fine Arts (SMFA) in support of Student Financial Aid https://give.tufts.edu/campaigns/21973/donations/new