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Harriet Potter DeFranco
Harriet Potter DeFranco
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Harriet DeFranco Obituary
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Born on June 13, 1928, in Lake Placid, NY, she was the daughter of Harry O. Potter and Florence Chadwick Potter. Harriet graduated from Lake Placid High School in 1946 and Russell Sage College in 1950.
She started her teaching career in Watertown, NY, where she met her future husband, Sam DeFranco. Relocating to Malone, NY in 1957, Harriet earned her master's degree from SUNY Plattsburgh and went on to teach fourth grade for the remainder of her career, both at Hawkins School and G. B. Davis Elementary. Retiring in 1983, she and Sam enjoyed a long retirement, spending winters in Florida and summers in Lake Placid.
Harriet and Sam were married over 60 years, until his death in 2014. She is survived by her three daughters; Catherine of Florida, Rosanne (George) Cordelli, Florida, Julie (Jim) Connors, Lake Placid, granddaughters Jennifer (Joseph) Forsha, Apollo Beach, FL, Amy Cordelli (Craig Hotaling) Cocoa, Fl, and Leigh Anne (Travis) Nevins, Holderness NH, grandson James Connors, NYC, and great-grandchildren Abigail Forsha and Devlin Hotaling. A third great-grandchild is due this summer. In addition to her husband, Harriet was predeceased by her parents, and brother Harry O. Potter, Jr.
Anyone that knew Harriet, will always remember the smile she had on her face and the infectious laugh that touched the lives of many. She was actively involved in the Malone community, holding offices with the Malone Federation of Teachers, Alice Hyde Hospital Women's Auxiliary, Malone Golf Club, and Malone College Club.
She and Sam both enjoyed golf, duplicate bridge, gardening and spending time with family and friends.
Services will be private and held at the discretion of the family. Interment will be at the North Elba Cemetery, Lake Placid, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tidewell House Hospice, Sarasota Fl, High Peaks Hospice Hudson, NY, Lake Placid Sinfonietta or a charitable foundation of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
George Proechel
April 11, 2025
Cathy, Rosanne and Julie...I was so sad to recently hear of your mom´s passing. I will always cherish the fond memories I had with Harriet. She was very special and will be missed for sure. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Dr. Andrew Simays
March 25, 2025
So sorry to hear this. She was a beautiful woman. One of the first people my mom worked with at the Hawkins school on Ft Covington St when we moved to Malone. Kathy, Rosanne and Julie, stay well.
Stuart Rowley
March 14, 2025
Rest in peace Harriet, you were one of a kind. Our condolences to all your family. Stuart Rowley & Mary Dowe
Stuart Rowley
March 14, 2025
Rest in peace Harriott, you were one of a kind. Our condolences to all your family. Stuart Rowley & Mary Dowe
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Kittie Rosa
March 13, 2025
So sorry for your loss. My prayers to all. Harriet was a fun person.
GOD BLESS´
Margaret A Canale
March 13, 2025
Cathy, Rosanne and Julie and families sending thoughts and prayers to you all. Love Margaret Canale
Cindy Dulmage
March 13, 2025
What wonderful words to describe our beautiful Aunt Harriet I always looked forward to her visits to Watertown because I knew grandma´s kitchen would be full of laughter and fun times! My sincere condolences to my sweet cousins and all the family.
Niki Seifert
March 13, 2025
Julie, Rosanne and Cathy -your mother was such a special person. She always made me laugh and was always smiling. Sending lots of love to you all
Manny DeFranco
March 13, 2025
To my cousins and family;
So very sorry to learn of the loss of your mom and my Aunt Harriet.
Always a smile, kind words, and lively personality.
A long and full life with her husband, (Uncle Sam), family, and many friends.
Rest in peace Aunt Harriet.
Manny DeFranco
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720 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34205
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