Obituary of Luella E. Potter
Olean – Luella E. Potter
Luella E. Potter, formerly of the Corner of Brook Street & Cherry Street and Aspen Tower, passed away on Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, at the Pines Nursing Home in Olean, following an illness.
Mrs. Potter was born on Dec. 28, 1932 in Bolivar, NY, and was the daughter of Regis and Nora Abbot Walsh.
Mrs. Potter was a life-time resident of Olean. In 1946, she graduated from Olean High School, and In 1976, she received her Master's Degree in Education from St. Bonaventure University.
Mrs. Potter's life was dedicated to God, her family, educating children, and helping those in need. She spent her entire career working in Catholic Education, teaching both second grade and kindergarten at St. Mary's of the Angels School, before taking the position of Principal. Upon stepping down as Principal, she continued to teach religion classes, and providing tutoring services at Archbishop Walsh High School until her retirement.
Mrs. Potter was a life-long member of St. Mary's of the Angels Church. She taught religious education, served as a Eucharistic Minister, and volunteered tirelessly for the church and The Society of St. Vincent DePaul. She was the recipient of numerous recognitions and awards for her service to the church and community including the Olean Chamber of Commerce Good News Award for Education, and the St. Joseph the Worker award for lay person from the Dioceses of Buffalo.
Mrs. Potter is survived by her daughter, Pamela (Michael) Minichiello of Elmira, NY; granddaughter, Jacklyn (Michael) Szymoniak of West Seneca; grandsons Dominick Minichiello of Gainesville, FL; Vincent Minichiello of Washington, DC; great grandson Michael Szymoniak of West Seneca; sister In-law Jean (Tom) Frank of Olean; niece, Leisa (David) McGonnell of Olean. Nephew Curt (Sally) Walsh of Olean; niece Colleen Walsh of California; nephew Andrew (Mary Ann) Walsh of California; niece Kim (Jeff) Chase of California; nephew David (Kelly) Walsh of California.
Mrs. Potter was predeceased by her brothers Donald Walsh of Sacramento, CA and Wayne Walsh of Olean. She was also predeceased by her niece Margaret "Peggy" McGrath of Fishkill, NY, and Paul Walsh of Olean.
Friends will be received at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, 202 South Union Street, Olean, on Saturday, November 9, 2019 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am, at which time a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held.
Memorials in Mrs. Potter's honor can be made to the Basilica of St. Mary's of the Angels or the SPCA of Cattaraugus County.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc.,646 East State Street, Olean. Online condolences may be made at www.LetroMcIntoshSpinkFuneralHome.com
