NANCY POTTER

POTTER, Nancy (Upp) Nancy Upp Potter, 100 years of age, died peacefully and comfortably, in the care and comfort of her family, at her Weston residence on Thursday, September 7, 2023. She was born in Reading, PA, on July 7, 1923, the daughter of the late John Winters Upp and Doris (Bigelow) Upp. Nancy was the wife of the late Joseph William Potter, Jr., who died on June 21, 2001. She was the mother of the late Amy Clare Potter; and was the sister of the late John Bigelow Upp. Nancy has been a resident of Weston for the past 44 years and spent her youth in Wyomissing, PA., where she attended a Quaker School. She was a graduate of Miss Halls School in Pittsfield, MA with the Class of 1941. Nancy graduated from Harcom Junior College in Bryn Mawr, PA, having majored as a Medical Secretary. She subsequently received her degree as a Registered Nurse from the Children's Hospital School of Nursing with the class of 1953. She served her country proudly during World War II, having enlisted as a WAVE with the United States Navy, earning the rank of Pharmacist's Mate 3rd Class. She joined the victory celebration at Times Square and subsequently, her unit marched in the downtown New York Victory Parade. Nancy's daughter, Amy Clare, died tragically at age thirteen from Aplastic Anemia, a blood disease for which there was no cure at the time. Nancy mourned her loss by dedicating herself to research, including family studies. She comforted and supported numerous families, whose members were stricken by Aplastic Anemia. Some became lifelong friends. She devoted countless hours at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston from 1976 until 2011. Nancy and Joe, her husband, established the Amy Clare Potter Fund at Children's Hospital, Boston, which provided fellowships to outstanding physicians specializing in pediatric oncology. Prior to Amy's death, she actively supported the Italian Home for Children in Jamaica Plain. Nancy was a trailblazer in her day, pursuing her dreams, irrespective of family wishes. She took flying lessons, skied the Swiss Alps, white water rafted the Colorado River and heli-hiked in the Canadian Rockies well into her 60s. She loved spending summers at Camp Island on Lake Winnepesaukee, N.H. The cabin had neither electricity nor running water, at her insistence. She was an outstanding cook, particularly after taking classes in France. Nancy was loved by many individuals in all walks of life. She truly cared about others and was a loyal friend and advocate. She delighted in the joys and was saddened by the sorrows in the lives of her friends and family. She always remembered birthdays and anniversaries with cards that were meaningful, memorable and hilarious. At Nancy's request there will be no public services and she will be buried in Linwood Cemetery in Weston with her husband, Joe and daughter, Amy. There will be a Celebration of her Life in October. In lieu of flowers, she prefers that gifts in her memory be sent to the Amy Clare Potter Memorial Fund, c/o Jillian Higgins, Children's' Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA 02115. Any amount would be sincerely appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the care of the John C. Bryant Funeral Home, of WAYLAND. For condolences, please visit www.johncbryantfuneralhome.com