Published in the November 18, 2016 edition
WAKEFIELD — Helen T. (Truslow) Potter, 93, a longtime resident of Wakefield, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, Nov. 9.
Helen was born in Waynesboro, Va. on July 3, 1923, one of 10 children of the late Samuel and Myrtle (Hicks) Truslow. Raised and educated in Waynesboro, she moved to Melrose after meeting William W. Potter and they were married at the First United Methodist Church in Melrose in 1960. They lived in Melrose for several years, before moving to Wakefield in 1973.
Helen was a strong willed, determined woman. With her tremendous work ethic, she woke up every day ready to go to work, often working 9-5, then going to her second job. She was employed as a supervisor for Transitron and later for Kytron Circuits Corp. while also working at Brigham’s in Melrose at night.
For several years, she also supervised the administrative office of Bill’s sewing machine business and home decorating company Suffolk Wallpapering. She finally retired in her 80s from the Boit Home where she was working as the cook. If it were up to Helen, she would still be working.
In her free time, Helen enjoyed cooking or spending time with her beloved cocker spaniels, Mister and Missy. Perhaps most of all, she had a strong interest and love for painting, with a focus on nature scenes in watercolor and oils.
She and Bill enjoyed their travels throughout the world, including trips to Spain, Israel and Mexico. Helen will be missed but always lovingly remembered.
Helen was the beloved wife of William W. Potter, with whom she shared 57 years of marriage. She was the mother of Peggy Allen of Virginia, the late Billy Jean Jones and the late Betty Bunch. She was the dear sister of Mildred Creef of Virginia, Lewis Truslow of Virginia and seven deceased siblings. She was the caring sister-in-law of Barbara Frederick and late husband James of Melrose, the late Kenneth Potter and his surviving wife Dolly and the late Bette Stevens and her late husband George. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Services are private. Interment in Riverview Cemetery, Waynesboro, Va. Donations in Helen’s memory may be made to E. N. Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, 200 Springs Rd., Bedford MA 01730. For online tribute visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
