Marc Potvin

1954 - 2021

Marc Potvin
Brentwood - Marc Potvin, a lifelong spirited anti-poverty activist, loving father and passionate partner for the past thirty-five years passed away on July 9, 2021 at home in the company of his family and friends after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was a graduate of UMASS Amherst (1977) and Northeastern University School of Law (1994). Born and raised in Holyoke, Massachusetts, he spent over 15 years living on the north shore of Massachusetts before moving to Brentwood, NH with his family in 1999.
Marc led a life of meaningful purpose. As a legal services attorney for over 25 years at Neighborhood Legal Services - Northeast Justice Center, Marc was a leader in helping tenants, community organizations and local government design affordable housing strategies for low-income families and the homeless. Marc co-authored, with his long-time mentor and friend, Ross Dolloff, national and state law review articles on community lawyering. Their pioneering work is still cited by community lawyers today. He was recently recognized by the Trial Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Additionally, the Massachusetts State Senate awarded him an Official Citation for his legal work on behalf of low-income clients and passed a resolution commending him for his career and life long dedication to public service. Marc took a leading role in the fight against foreclosures in Massachusetts, helping hundreds of homeowners and tenants battle against banks and predatory investors. His work included obtaining the first Mass. court order requiring banks to issue 90 day vacate notices in compliance with a new federal foreclosure law.
Marc was a truly caring and committed co-worker and lawyer who demonstrated tremendous respect for everyone he came into contact with, especially his clients. His empathy led Marc to undertake tasks that others would not, visiting clients before court dates to help clean litter boxes, dispose of soiled carpets, and wash floors to ensure their apartment passed inspection. His strong belief in kindness and compassion will be missed by everyone.
Prior to becoming an attorney, Marc served as the Executive Director of North Shore Community Action Programs (NSCAP) where he took a leading role in successfully organizing against the gentrification and displacement of Latinx and poor families from Salem's Point Neighborhood. Marc also served as Director of Holyoke, MA region's fuel assistance program at the Valley Opportunity Council.
Marc shared his passions and commitment to social justice, music, the arts, old homes, and travel as well as a deep spiritual understanding of life with his life partner, best friend and wife of 35 years, Brenda Marotto-Potvin. Together, they experienced a wonderful journey through life, usually with a holy host of equally eccentric dogs and cats. Their time together was very rich and rewarding. Perhaps Marc's most meaningful role, and the one his daughters say he excelled at most, was that of father. In 2003, Marc and Brenda adopted two terrific daughters, Tatyanna (Tia) and Shanice Marotto-Potvin. Marc loved them deeply. He was a passionate and committed parent, demonstrating kindness and unconditional love. Marc was proud of their achievements and could often be overheard telling family, friends, coworkers and even his clients of his daughters' talents and escapades.
Marc also leaves behind a sister, Michele Potvin-Piecuch, and her husband, Dr. Joseph Piecuch of Simsbury, CT; a brother, Dave Potvin, of Norfolk, VA; two nephews, Michael Piecuch of Selinsgrove, PA and Gregory Piecuch of Hartford, CT; a niece, Sarah Garvey-Potvin of South Orange, NJ; and his great nephews and nieces, Anna Piecuch, Lucas Piecuch, Jack Piecuch, and Lucinda Susan Allison. His sister, Janine Potvin, predeceased him as did his parents, William and Vivian Rainault Potvin, of Holyoke, MA.
Marc leaves this life blessed to have made a difference in the world. He urges all to consider what John Lewis said: "Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble."
A joyous Celebration of Marc's life is scheduled for Sunday, Aug 1st starting at 4pm at his homestead in Brentwood, NH. All are welcome. Text 603-686-1012 if planning to attend. Further details will be sent to you.
For a more comprehensive narrative of Marc's life, see https://www.brewittfuneralhome.com/obituaries/obituary-listings?obId=21653625 .
Donations in tribute to Marc may be made to Lynn United for Change Empowerment Project where Marc and Brenda have established a legacy fund in honor of Marc's memory. The fund has been endowed with $10,000 of matching funds. Checks may be mailed to Lynn United for Change Empowerment Project, 112 Exchange Street, Lynn, MA 01901, made payable to "City Life" (the sponsor) with "Lynn United Empowerment" written on the memo line. To donate online: http://www.lynnunitedempowerment.org .