It's already three months since mom left this earth.  In the last years of her life, I was the mother and she was the child.  But I prefer to remember those years when things were as they should be - she was my mother and I was her child.  

I was very sick as a youngster and spent many a day in bed.  She would call up the stairs of our home to see if I wanted or needed anything.  She carried my meals on a tray and, in the afternoon, often brought me some nice little treat (cookies or fruit or juice).  She brought medicine and even the doctor up those stairs.  But she also mothered me by playing simple games, buying me a puzzle book or just sitting with me.  Those times were special.

Mom, your care of me in my childhood enabled me to grow into a strong adult.  I have been so blessed to have you as my mother and to learn from you how to care for others.

Dear Mom,
Memories of you are swirling in my head today.  They have swirled a lot since you left us in March.  And for me, all of those memories lead to one thing - you were, are, and always will be my mother.  You taught me how to be a good mother.  I studied from the best.  And the greatest lesson that I learned is that mothers are always "there". When children wake up or go to sleep, laugh or cry, perform well or act out, succeed or fail, mothers are "there".  Now I am learning that you are still "there" for me every day in those swirling memories. Happy Mother's Day, Mama.  I love you.  Frannie

To Gram with love from the girl in pig tails who slid down your banister rail over and over, who rocked the metal porch chairs up against your siding, who ran down your busy street, who was scared of that large lobster in your basement, who used your rotary dial black phone to call her friends, who turned your window air conditioners up high, who had her mouth washed out with your orange dial soap, who played with those Charlie Brown dolls and hid under your beautiful dinning room table, who loved your blooming bushes and your vanity in your room, who loved how you sang a song about her and how your cooking smelled so good, and who remembers that your kitchen floors had a interesting sound when you walked on them, who knew where you kept your regular scissors and your pinking sheers, who knew not to open your medicine cabinet unless she wanted to see your teeth, who uses your teapot and your salt and pepper shaker still, and who keeps your prayer box next to your picture in her room. I want to say thank you for all the memories of my childhood with you. I loved how you were always waiting by the kitchen door.

Gram was a terrific grandmother, but my favorite memories of her are the times when she was least grandmother-like, when her best (and least best) qualities transcended that role and made me see her as a human being and not my grandmother.  The way she told and retold a story, her laugh, and the few times growing up in a big family when I had time with her in person all by myself.  I think I can count those on my fingers and they are my strongest memories of her, those parts of her that are only mine.

I have many memories of my mother ... two I will share here and both of them involve family dinners.

Helen always needed to be the last one to sit down at the dinner table.  It didn't matter whether it was just a family dinner or something larger with extended family and friends.  When she called people to the table, she was steadfast in her resolve not to sit down until everyone else was seated.  Although nothing was ever said about it, her children used to try and figure out ways to outsmart her as we engaged in an elaborate ritual of musical chairs. It rarely worked.

The other memory involves a time when she prepared a new recipe for a family dinner.  Her children did not respond well, with many exclamations of "Yuck" and "What's this awful looking stuff?"  She was not amused and yelled at all of us, saying "Just once I'd like to prepare something for all of you and hear you say, 'What's this mom?  Something New?  Looks good!'"  We never let her forget that comment.  Whenever a new recipe was placed on the table, the rest of the family was always quick to exclaim (quite tongue-in-cheek) "What's this mom?  Something new?  Looks good!"

Love you mom ... John

Many great memories of Gram have sustained us through her dementia, and they will continue to comfort us now. She is now at peace and with God.  I will never forget her laughter and her smile.  I will remember the cookies and milk she served us on TV tables in the sun parlor.  I will remember going to the movies, doing our own manicures, scraping ice from the freezer for a treat, playing with the cats, singing into the fan, baking cookies...  So many things I will remember.  I will also cherish that my children were able to meet and hug their great grandmother.
I love you, Gram, until we meet again.
Love, Mimi

How I wish that my grandmother had not battled dementia for the last years of her life. It makes my memories old too. But there is nothing like getting a hug from Gram. For those seconds everything bad went away. I am glad that she is restored now in heaven. I love you Gram! Eil

March 23, 2013

Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Helen was a very special person to our dad, Herm Noweck, and Vera Boecker.  Helen Potthast was my father's favorite cousin and was close to her his entire life. During childhood,the Hoos' and Nowecks would visit every weekend.

A favorite tale is that Dad asked Helen to his senior prom, but Helen's mom wouldn't let her go as she didn't want anything to get in the way of her budding romance with Bert!

After my dad passed away in 1999, my sister and I had the fortune of visiting Helen...such a gracious, kind, lovely lady.  I do wish that I had had the opportunity to get to know her.

You are blessed to have had her in your life for so long.  May memories comfort you and bring you peace.

I was in grade school with Peggy and my parents knew the Potthast family. As a kid, I sometimes cut the Potthast lawn and my fondest memory of Helen Potthast is the beautiful woman who provided me with good food after my hard work. I especially remember her bright face when she laughed.                                                                          

John,  I know it has been many, many years, but I saw the notice of your mom's death in the paper and I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Beautiful photos of a wonderful life for you to cherish always.  Mom is in God's hands now.  Peace be with you.
Mary & Scott

I'll always remember cousin Helen's beautiful smile and wonderful sense of humor.  Bill and I thought so much of her.  She must be smiling down from heaven above at all of us.

Thinking of you and sending all of our love and support.

Glorious photos of a life well lived!  Praise be to God!

I am glad that your mother is finally at rest. Now it is time to remember and celebrate her life. My thoughts and prayers are with you Peggy as well as the entire Potthast family.

I worked with Helen at St. Agnes Church.  I always enjoyed her wonderful spirit of love for her family and her Church. I will remember her in my prayers.

OBITUARY

Helen Doris Hoos Potthast

January 15, 1919 – March 6, 2013

Sterling-Ashton-Schwab-Witzke Funeral Home of Catonsville, Inc.

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