Sandra "Sandy" Lee Potter

Loving wife, mother, and grandmother, Sandy Potter, age 76 of Renton departed this life on Wednesday, March 30, 2022, at the University of Washington Medical Center after complications from a massive heart attack the prior week. She was born Sandra Lee Faulkner on June 16, 1945, in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, the youngest of 6 children to parents Benjamin and Evelyn (Hilst) Faulkner. She spent her childhood growing up on the family farm in Minnesota. At age 12, her family relocated to Seattle where Sandy attended Franklin High School.

On March 21, 1970, she married Robert Ellis Potter, a Ballard native whom she met while both worked at Alaska Steamship a few years earlier. During the early years of their relationship, they enjoyed long weekend road trips and other fun adventures. Their first apartment was in Magnolia and they enjoyed many fun activities such as league bowling, drinks with friends at The Embers or date nights at the Wharf restaurant. Bob and Sandy enjoyed many years of young adulthood before settling down to start a family.

In March 1975, their son Bobby arrived. In 1977, Bob and Sandy moved to a brand new home in the Renton Highlands - where they enjoyed playing in the yard with their young son. In December 1979, Jeffrey joined them and their little family was complete.

Professionally, Sandy was known to be a tough but fair boss, achieving success in the male-dominated commercial flooring industry, where over her career she served as a general manager for several different local companies. One of her favorite sayings was “You mess with the cat, you get the claws.” All who worked with her respected her and she was known for her hard work ethic and integrity.

For over 45 years, Bob and Sandy made their home in Renton. Many family milestones occurred in this home in the Glencoe neighborhood; countless birthdays, sleepovers, graduations, holidays, and celebrations. Sandy was especially proud that both her sons graduated from the University of Washington. The boys grew up and made their way in the world - both starting their own successful companies - no doubt based on the example that their parents set. Both boys brought home their brides, Rachel and Thlayla - and the family enjoyed many holidays and vacations together - sometimes meeting up in Las Vegas or at their condo in Ocean Shores.

In 2006, Sandy became known as Gigi with the arrival of her first grandchild, Grace. Grace was followed by Jackson, Camden, Ava, and Isla. Gigi relished the role of grandmother and made many visits to her grandchildren over the years. She would make their favorite snacks and meals - and enjoyed getting them special presents whenever she could. Gigi never missed a birthday, Christmas or Easter. She enjoyed having all the family under one roof - feeding them well - and being able to spend time together.

Sandy was an avid reader and after her retirement - enjoyed spending many hours tending to her garden and meticulous landscaping. She also loved her many cats over the years: Katie, Kit, Arwen, and Kitty White Paws.

Sandy is survived by her husband of 52 years, Robert Ellis Potter. Two sons and their families: Robert B. Potter and wife Rachel of Brentwood, Tennessee, and Jeff Potter and wife Thlayla of Monroe, Washington. Grandchildren: Grace, Jackson, Camden, and Ava Potter. Siblings: Cleo Cooper and husband Al, Duane Faulkner and wife Joyce. Sister in Law: Shirley Estes. Numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents and two sisters: Arlean Nonenmacher, Lauralei Bencze, and a brother Lesley Faulkner and granddaughter Isla Potter.