Tributes

Kathleen Cynthia Margaret Potterton was born in Lindley, South Africa to Henri and Hilda van Olst, the youngest of three children and the only girl. She has no surviving siblings but several nieces and nephews who reside in South Africa and the United States. She married John Edward Potterton, December 31, 1955 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. She is survived by John and their children: Susan Potterton Leding, (David), Corvallis, Oregon; Bruce Ingram Potterton (Kristin), Piedmont, California; and Karen Philippa Wallerius, Plymouth, Minnesota; and 6 grandchildren. Kathleen, known affectionately as “Babette” or “Babs,” lead an interesting life of adventure. While growing up, she traveled extensively in South Africa and Zimbabwe before marrying John. She immigrated to the United States with John and their children in March 1968 from Stellenbosch, South Africa. They lived in Shaker Heights, Ohio until 1971, when they moved to Edina, Minnesota. On July 18, 1973, the family became citizens of the United States. In 1983, she received her B.A. in Literature and History from the University of Minnesota. Her life journey continued as she and John relocated to Pasadena, California in 1989. They lived in California until 2008, when they relocated to Corvallis, Oregon from Los Angeles, to live closer to their daughter Susan. Kathleen will be remembered for her selfless love and affection to her husband and family, her fine sense of humor, and being grounded in the passage of life. She created exquisite needlework including embroidery, counted cross-stitch, and Norwegian Hardanger to be appreciated by her family for years to come. She worked on several pieces commissioned by Augsburg Publishing House in Minneapolis that became church bulletins and book covers; she volunteered to work on the extensive tapestry collection at the Minneapolis Institute of Art in conservation restoration with her daughter Susan; she was a creative writer and left a legacy of recorded family history; she always had something baking in the oven and was known for her Scottish shortbread; and, she loved to read. Kathleen was a member of The Episcopal Church of The Good Samaritan, in Corvallis. Kathleen was a loyal wife and loving companion to John. She taught her children to be compassionate, observant, sensitive, and responsible. She had a great affection for animals. Memorial contributions can be made to Heartland Humane Society, Corvallis, Oregon in care of McHenry Funeral Home 206 NW 5th St., Corvallis, OR 97330. A memorial service will occur at a later date this summer.

Tributes

Kathleen Margaret Potterton

November 14, 1929 - June 10, 2012