Marian W. Potter- Saratoga Springs
Marian passed away Thursday, December 6, while residing in Saratoga.
Born September 12, 1923, in Greenwich, NY, she was the daughter of the late Elmer and Minnie (Wilson) Potter. She was predeceased by her sister Ruth Hall of Fort Edward and her brother, Ray of Highland Falls.
Marian graduated from Greenwich High School, Mildred Elley School, Russell Sage College (Evening Division), and received her MS in Education from SUNY Albany.
During her long work career in the Capital District, she was Secretary and Assistant to the Comptroller at WPTR radio station when it first went on the air in 1948; Office Manager and Buyer at Boardman Ltd; and Office Manager at Mayfair Inc. She began teaching Distributive (Marketing) Education at Lansingburgh High School in 1963, and was Chief Bureau of Marketing and Distributive Education, NYS Education Department at the time of her retirement in 1983.
From the time she began teaching at age 40, Marian felt she had to learn all she could about marketing education, so she became an active member of the related professional organizations. She became a life member of the American Vocational Association and Marketing Education Association, and a board member and officer of several ME groups.
After retiring Marian served as a consultant with the NYS Council on Economic Education, was a Past President and board member of LVA, Troy, and served on the boards of the Rensselaer County League of Women Voters and the Women’s Council of the Albany Institute of History and Art.
After moving to Prestwick Chase in Saratoga in 2003, she became a member of the Saratoga League, and volunteered at the book Bag at the Saratoga Springs Public Library. At Prestwick Chase she was editor for many years of “The Chase”, the monthly publication by and for the residents.
Marian was honored with the Ruth Colvin Award for Administrative Volunteer of the year (LVA national), Outstanding Service and Honorary Life Member of the Distributive Education Clubs of NY, Distributive Education Professional Development Award (national), and Marketing Division of AVA Distinguished Service Award.
She was an avid reader, especially of history and the Civil War. She traveled throughout the US, attending many Elderhostels. She was known for her love of cats and always had one as her companion.
Marian’s two nephews, Jon and Bruce, sons of the late Ernest and Ruth (Potter) Hall, often traveled and vacationed together as they were growing up.
Her nephew Jon predeceased Marian, but she is survived by his wife, Sharon of South Glens Falls. Other survivors include her nephews, Bruce (Ruth) Hall of Liverpool, NY, Charles Potter, SC and niece, Helen Potter, NC; and several great nieces, nephews and their children.
At her request the funeral service will be private. Internment will be in Greenwich Cemetery in Greenwich, NY.
Marian has requested that memorial donations be sent to Literacy Volunteers of America, 49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or to any local animal shelter, or Saratoga Performing Arts Center, 108 Avenue of Pines, Saratoga Springs, New York,12866.
Arrangements are under the direction of Carleton Funeral Home, Inc.,68 Main Street, Hudson Falls, NY.