Obituary of Mary B. Potter

Mary Barbara Schmidt Potter, 89, after a well lived life that took her across the country and back, most often in the passenger seat of a Peterbuilt or a Brockway truck, peacefully passed away on February 22, 2023, at Misty Glen Rehabilitation Center, Cortland New York. Born on August 19, 1933, in Masonville, NY she has lived in and called Homer, NY home for more than fifty years. Mary is predeceased by her husband of 33 years John D. Potter, her sisters and their husbands Doris and Don Stone and Helen and Norman West, as well as her sister-in-law and her husband Connie and John MacPherson and brothers-in-law Ed Stiles and Dean Potter. She is survived by her son, John D. Potter, Jr. and his wife Carlene of Homer and her daughter Kimberly Potter Ireland and her husband James of Burnt Hills, NY. Mary has three grandchildren: Ellie Potter Petrella (Paul), Mary Ireland, and Annie Ireland and five great grandchildren: Zahara, Roman, Viviana, Isabella and Guiliette Petrella. Each gave her joy in their special way. Additionally, she is survived by sisters-in-law Gwendolyn Stiles and Kaye Potter, and several nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews. Mary worked for many years at Bendix in Unadilla, NY prior to moving to Homer with John. Upon the closure of Brockway Motor Trucks where John worked, John and Mary established Potter Trucking which grew over the years. The business allowed John and Mary to love and nurture old trucks as well as many friendships celebrated annually at the Brockway Parade and Show. Mary was creative and had the ability to arrange flowers, paint, and sew. Numerous friends and family have been blessed with having a piece of her art in their homes or have sat at a table decorated with her handiwork. In many cases her efforts were in support of the Cortland County Republican Committee where she had been a long-time member, past President of the Woman's Club and recipient of the Republican of the Year. She was also active in several art clubs. Her love of gardening and flowers is evident from the park-like appearance of her backyard maintained by her son so she could enjoy its beauty from her favorite chair. Calling hours will be held on Monday February 27, 2023 from 2-4pm at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home, 9 Lincoln Ave., Cortland, NY. A funeral service will follow at 4 with Rev. Park officiating. Burial will take place in the spring in the Atwater Cemetery. Memorial Contributions can be made to the Brockway Truck Preservation Association, 4386 – 4392 US Route 11, Cortland, NY 13045 or the Cortland County Area Agency on Aging Meals on Wheels Program, 60 Central Ave., Cortland, NY 13045.