Phyllis M. Pottie

It is with great sadness we announce that Mom quietly passed away at home on Sunday, October 27, 2013. We have been blessed to have such a precious and caring mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend in our lives. Phyllis was born in Halifax on December 14, 1924, to parents Mary (O’Connell) and Jack Sears. She was predeceased by her husband, Harry; her parents; and siblings and their spouses, Harold (Mary), Earl (Lorraine), and Dot (Cliff Coffin). Phyllis began work at the Halifax Shipyards where she met the love of her life and soul-mate Harry Pottie, with whom she would share a marriage for 67 years. Phyllis made a home for the two of them as they brought up four children, Beverly, Gregory (Diane Baker), Heather, and Debbie (Paul Carnell). The Pottie home was open to all and all were welcome. Phyllis took pride in helping people and was known for her warm hospitality. No one was ever turned away for there was always room for one more at dinner or another place for someone to sleep. After many years as a wife and mother, Phyllis went back to work, this time as a Teacher Assistant with the Dartmouth School Board (1979-1989). She brought her many skills to the task of helping children with special needs. Phyllis’ love for the children, the work she was doing and for the staff at Hawthorne School endeared her to all and many had kept in touch after she retired. She will be fondly remembered as a woman of generosity, humility, and charm. Phyllis is survived by her grown children and her four grandchildren, Scott McDonald (Ray) Vancouver, Kelly McDonald (Barry), Michael and Maureen Pottie-Baker as well as many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her sister Joyce (Reg Prest deceased) and her brother Larry (June). Visitation will be Wednesday, October, 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Cruikshank’s Halifax Funeral Home, Windsor St. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 1, at 10 a.m. in Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish (St. Stephen’s Church) on Normandy Drive. Interment will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery beside her beloved Harry. We extend a special thank you to Margie Collins, Continuing Care Coordinator, for all of her help and staff support, and particularly to the VON nursing staff. Memorial donations may be directed in Phyllis’ name to the SPCA or a charity of choice.

To send messages of condolence to the family, please visit: www.cruikshankhalifaxfuneralhome.com