In Loving Memory of

Helen Potter

(Maiden: Lilly)
of Edmonton
May 9, 1927 - Feb 29, 2024

It is with sadness that we announce the death of our remarkable mother, Helen, at the age of 96.

She was predeceased by her parents, Hilda and Arthur Lilly; her sister, Alison; and Evan, her beloved husband of 61 years. Helen is survived by her brother, Doug Lilly; her sister, Jean Hamilton; and by her loving children, Alison Potter (Barry), Connie O';Brien (Peter), Julie Morris (Peter), Rich (Cheryl) and Mary Potter (formerly Manley). She also leaves her grandchildren, Kate Gillespie and Julie Roberts (Ryan), Tim (Kate), Jeff, and Joe (Tamara) O'Brien, Emily Harris, Luke (Morgan) and Jacqui Manley, and Tannis Potter. She treasured her four great-grandchildren, Luke, Lily, Gregory and Blake, with another one, much-anticipated, due in April. She was a devoted aunt to her many nieces and nephews and a diligent godmother to many. Never was a birthday forgotten or a milestone overlooked.

Helen was born in Cranbrook but lived her entire life in Edmonton. She met Evan at the U of A. They married in 1951 and spent the next decades raising their five children and enjoying their grandchildren. She loved the summers at Ma-Me-O Beach, family ski trips to Marmot Basin and Kimberly, tramping through the Rockies with her hiking group, and many happy hours at the Glenora Club. Helen was an enthusiastic skier and tennis player into her eighties. She played the piano beautifully and with Evan was a lifelong supporter of the arts. She had a wide circle of friends young and old. Her happiest times were spent surrounded by her family who basked in her warmth and her sense of humour, enjoying her delicious meals and her ability to spell any word. We were blessed with her unwavering love and support, her kindness and generosity and her genuine interest in everyone. Her life was an inspiration, particularly in the way she faced her final year with humour and dignity. She will be forever missed by her loving family and her many friends. It was an honour to share her life.

A Service in memory of Helen will be held at St. Paul's United Church, 11526 76 Ave on Friday March 8, at 2:00 p.m. with a Reception to follow in the Parish Hall.

We are grateful for the compassionate care Helen received in the Edmonton General Hospital's Palliative Care Unit.

Charitable donations in her memory may be made to Covenant Health Foundation, Mel Miller Hospice. Flowers are gratefully declined.

Arrangements entrusted to Foster & McGarvey Downtown Funeral Home.