Obituary of Patricia Marion Potter

Patricia Marion Potter, age 77, passed away at her home on Thursday January 14, 2021, with family by her side. Born April 14, 1943 in the city of Woking, Surrey, England, Patricia (known as “Paddy”) was one of three children born to George Sidney Crane and Lillian May Hefford.  Paddy was an avid reader and a life-long learner, receiving an honors degree in English Literature from Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.  

Paddy began her career at the global pharmaceutical company Pfizer, in Sandwich, Kent, England, where she would soon meet her future husband, Timothy John Potter.  Their marriage would last 52 years, and resulted in a wonderous international journey, with residences in Greenwich Connecticut, Lake Forest Illinois, Montreal Quebec, Cazenovia NY, Princeton NJ and Naples FL, before retiring to Chapel Hill NC.  No matter the place, Paddy had a remarkable ability to transition a house into a home, graciously welcoming all who visited.

Paddy was baptized in England in the Episcopal Church.  Locally, she was a member of Chapel of The Cross, in Chapel Hill, NC.   Paddy was a member of the Chapel Hill Country Club and so enjoyed the staff in the dining room and kitchen.  Paddy enjoyed music and the performing arts and donated her time to support several organizations, notably the Princeton Ballet and the Syracuse Symphony, getting to know the key members, conductors and supporting the artists.  She loved gardening and had a caring heart for her numerous horses and dogs.

Paddy prioritized family and was a strong matriarch.  Her symbolic source of strength was the Ancient Egyptian Queen Nefertiti (see necklace in photo).  Nefertiti possessed many titles, among them “Lady of Grace,” an apt description of Paddy.   She was exceedingly proud of her three accomplished daughters and beloved by a large contingent of grandchildren who affectionately called her “Maddy.”  She spent much of her life traveling around the world and between Canada, Colorado and NC to visit and enjoy school productions, sporting events, and quiet time together.

Paddy was pre-deceased by her husband John in 2017 and her sister Hilda Wickham in 2018.  She is survived by her sister Joan Blackmore of Alberta, Canada; three daughters, Julia and Greg Davis of Denver, Colorado; Anna and Jamey Millar of Chapel Hill, NC; and Suzanne Gardiner of Aurora, Ontario, Canada.  Additionally, 10 grandchildren; Jenna, Timothy, and Scott Davis; Benjamin, Christopher, Alexandra, and William Millar; and Brittany, Sidney, and Bradley Gardiner. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donation to the Compass Center or Orange County Habitat for Humanity to aid local individuals and families (please use the links on the left).  Paddy enjoyed philanthropy and the respective missions of these two organizations held meaning for her.     

A private memorial service will take place at The Chapel Of The Cross, Chapel Hill, NC.

The Potter family is under the care of Walker's Funeral Home of Chapel Hill.