Kathy Potter, 1960-2013

My youngest sister, Kathy Potter, suffered a sudden cerebral hemorrhage early Friday morning, and passed away Sunday, January 6, surrounded by family and many friends. Kathy was an amazing sister, mother, wife and daughter. Generous, caring, funny, extremely wise and immensely gifted, Kathy was the embodiment of our Dad’s humility and our Mom’s gentleness. She was the youngest of the six Hackett children, and the first to be reunited with our parents in Heaven. Kathy understood me like nobody else ever will, and she takes with her the million little in-jokes we had, as well as our shared hatred of poor font choices.

Kathy also shared my love/hate relationship with Funky Winkerbean. She returned to college later in life, majoring in Creative Writing and graduating summa cum laude from New Jersey City University in 2010. She helped form a poetry circle, and mentored, influenced and inspired many younger writers. I would be immensely flattered whenever she’d tell me she read one of my posts, and I wrote and edited SoSF always with the thought that she might be reading and secretly, gently critiquing.

Kathy’s generosity extends even beyond her time here with us, as the gift of her organs will improve and perhaps even save an untold number of lives. I ask that you keep Kathy, her husband Rae, her children Alannah and Garvey, and our extended family in your thoughts and prayers; consider being an organ donor; and most importantly, always be mindful that our time here is much, much too short. Thank you all for your well-wishes.

47 thoughts on “Kathy Potter, 1960-2013”

  4. I’m so sorry to hear about this sudden tragic loss. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

  5. My condolences.

    What a terrible loss.

    May you and your family be watched over and protected during this difficult time.

  6. Sigh. My condolences. That’s still pretty young to lose someone.

    That was a very nice tribute.

  7. So sorry to hear about you losing someone so close to you, especially as unexpected as that!

  9. May the Lord be with you at this sad time.

    Its sounds like she was a wonderful human being. Enjoy and remember the time you had with her.

    (cyber tear..)

  10. Oh my God, I am so sorry to hear this, TFH. Losing a loved one is one of the worst experiences in life, here’s to the family and friends you have helping you to endure. And here’s to Kathy’s memory–don’t remember the sad end, remember all those times that can be celebrated.

  14. I am so sorry, Tom. What a terrible loss. She sounds like a wonderful person. I wish you and your family the utmost strength.

    As it happens, this afternoon my wife’s father died, suddenly, and far too soon. My wife, my son, and I are devastated. Forget the father-in-law jokes: He was a great guy. So… I don’t know. He was an organ donor too. It’s a good cause.

  16. That’s terrible, sourbelly…very sorry to hear about your loss as well. Condolences to you and yours.

  19. Holding dear the memories of our loved ones gives us a window into a wonderfully happy time. The window can be closed… but memories are like glass and with love we can always see to the other side.

  20. My sincere condolences to you and your entire family, and prayers offered up for comfort and consolation for all.

  21. I’m so sorry, TFH. Praying for strength for you and your family. Take as much time as you need to work through this; we’ll wait.

  23. Good Lord, what a terrible loss for you and your family. May the good memories she leaves behind eventually console you.

  27. Tom and sourbelly, so sorry for your losses. My sincere condolences to both of you and your families.

  28. “When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
    When sorrows like sea billows roll;
    Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
    It is well, it is well with my soul.”

    My prayers and condolences to TFH, sourbelly, and their families. May you find some comfort in these trying times.

  29. TFH: so eloquent as usual. I am sure your sister was an amazing person and you made me understand that through your tribute. I am sure she is very proud of your writing skills. To both you and Sourbelly, please accept my deepest condolences.

  31. My condolences to TFH and sourbelly. Your love for your sister and father-in-law will long outlast your grief.

  35. Sourbelly, my condolences to you as well. Tom, thanks for having this website, it brings me quite a bit of joy and we’re like a little family here.

  39. Sourbelly, I didn’t know until now of your loss. I understand the in-law closeness as I still miss my own in-laws. My condolences to you and yours.

  43. May perpetual light shine upon your sister Kathy and Sourbelly’s dad-in-law, and may the angels greet them in Paradise. Be assured of our prayers for your consolation.

  44. My thoughts are with both of you, TFH and Sourbelly, and also with your loved ones. I am sorry for your losses.

  46. A beautifully written tribute….she would be proud. So very sorry for your loss…..

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