Arlene A. Potter

Arlene (Irene) A. Potter, 79 of New Britain, passed away peacefully on December 10th, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Born in New Britain to the late Walter (Larry) Andruszkiewicz and Alice Kovalik, Arlene lived a life defined by devotion, creativity, and an open heart.
Arlene was a woman of faith who was a longtime member of the Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church. She found great joy and purpose singing in the church choir. For many years, Arlene also served the City of New Britain as an educational school secretary, where she took immense pride in her work and cared for the children as if they were her own.
Arlene's life was overflowed with love, many passions, and shimmering moments of joy. She enjoyed collecting Little Golden Books, which was a reflection of her love for reading and the classics. She was also a gifted knitter who delighted in creating handmade treasures for her grandchildren, and an enthusiastic cook who loved preparing special family recipes to share with those she loved. Animals also held a very special place in her heart, especially her beloved dog Butchie, who brought her endless comfort and companionship.
Arlene leaves behind her devoted husband of 60 years, Nelson J. Potter; her daughter Alicia Mello and her husband Craig of Plainville; her daughter April Melluzzo and her husband Adriano of Delray Beach, FL; her son Nelson Jeffrey Potter and his wife Angie of Myrtle Beach, SC; as well as her brother Ronald Andrusziewicz. She is also survived by her adored grandchildren and their partners: Anthony Melluzzo (Alyssa), Alexander Melluzzo (Carolina), Marisa Melluzzo (Altrin), and Brandon Mello. Each of them was a constant source of pride, joy and love in her life. Arlene was predeceased by her sister Barbara Bargielski (Frank) of Berlin.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Monday December 15th, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church at 305 Washington Street, New Britain. The funeral service will follow at 10:00 a.m. Arlene will be laid to rest at Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Cemetery immediately following the service. To share a memory with her family please visit us at www.duksa.net. If you would like to make a donation in Arlene's memory, please consider donating to Tunnels to Towers at https://t2t.org/donate/, as she loved supporting our country and those who make the ultimate sacrifice.
The family extends a special thanks to the Hartford Kidney Transplant Group, especially Audrey, for their unwavering support, care, and compassion throughout Arlene's journey. Her family would also like to thank her anonymous kidney donor, who gifted her another 25 beautiful years of life. Arlene's kindness, creativity, and unconditional love will be forever remembered by all who were blessed to know her.