Laura Potter

Laura Joan Potter, 89, of Genoa, Illinois, died Sunday, September 14, 2025, at her home in Genoa, surrounded by her family. Born September 6, 1936, in Lawrence, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of John Moore and Laura Fournier. Laura and Phillip were married in their Catholic church, followed by a reception at their dance club. They shared 70 years of marriage and are now reunited in heaven.

Laura was an excellent and creative cook who spent her life volunteering. She played the piano and, in earlier years, enjoyed dancing with her husband, Phillip. She loved the ocean, birds, and animals. Over the years, she worked intermittently as a bookkeeper and in real estate. She also owned a shop called Mystique in Illinois and a restaurant called Little Bohemia in Michigan. Later, she served as president of her church's Women's Guild in New Hampshire.

She was an expert at hosting and organizing events, both at her home and in the community. She created beautiful floral arrangements and wreaths to make everything look perfect for her guests. Laura also loved to travel, especially to the seaside and to places tied to her family's history. Her travels took her to Canada, where her father grew up, and to France, where her mother's origins lay. Above all, Laura cherished the time she spent with her immediate and extended family, as well as her many friends. She touched countless lives and will be deeply missed.

Laura is survived by her children; Lauralynn and her husband Doug Alton, Mark Potter, and Michelle Potter; grandchildren Harrison, Laura, Alicia, Jason, Jaime, Phillip, Kristin, and Caitlin; chosen family Wyatt Sunderlage and Raymond Johnson; her sisters-in-law Joyce Yeaton and Phyllis Griffin; and many nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Phillip; her parents; her daughter Patricia; daughter-in-law Betty; son-in-law Dave; siblings Albert, Roland, Georgette, and Rudolphe, along with their spouses; other brothers- and sisters-in-law; and her grandson Gregory.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to both their close and extended family for their unwavering support. Among them, sister-in-law Joyce and niece Gigie, who held special places in their hearts. They lived with Laura and Phillip for extended periods and were cherished members of their family. They also wish to thank grandchildren Harrison and Alicia for the time they spent with Laura, which meant so much to her.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Barn on Baseline Animal Shelter, 16173 Baseline Rd., Genoa, IL 60135.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements by Olson's Quiram Sycamore Chapel, 1245 Somonauk St., Sycamore, IL 60178; 815-895-6589. Visit www.olsonfh.com to share a memory, treasured photo, or leave a condolence.