MaeZella Potter

MaeZella Potter, a woman of gentle sweetness and golden heart, passed away on December 16, 2020.  Mazie was born May 9, 1930 to Albert and Bernice Shaw in Charlevoix, Michigan in their fieldstone home.  She grew up roaming the countryside with her siblings, Mary, George, and twin sister Marcella. Encircled by faith and family, she attended the Nowland country school and graduated from Charlevoix High School.

In 1952, she married her sweetheart, Robert Potter, and together they raised six daughters on the farm and celebrated their 68th anniversary in February. Mazie cherished her family. She was the golden thread that wove us into a tapestry that warmly covered every member.

Mazie was the ultimate model of a selfless wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. With boundless love and energy, she wrapped us in that tapestry of care. Her children’s memories include fresh sticky buns when arriving home from school and getting cozy under her crocheted afghans. Whether whipping up feasts from her garden, driving her daughters to countless activities, or helping out on the farm, she captured the good times and was an endless source of comfort throughout her life.

As the family grew to 70 members plus 2 gladly awaited baby boys, Mazie proudly shared all the family highlights and declared she loved her six sons-in-law as her true sons.  She memorized all the birthdays and we eagerly awaited our card with the enclosed crisp $2 bill.  Grandchildren remember her card games, compassionate ear, and a little helpful sass. We benefited from her support during the rough times, such as when Grandma moved in during tricky pregnancies or grandchildren’s injuries, always with a meal on the table and even a pie, stitching us back together with the golden thread. Then she would wash our windows or clean our basement.

Balancing motherhood, church, and attending the family’s thousands of athletic games, concerts, plays, birthday parties, graduations and weddings, Mazie’s golden thread embroidered a rich life for us all. She and Bob traveled with family to many countries around the world, plus she even generously initiated a trip to Alaska with her daughters in her late eighties.

She leaves a legacy of love and is deeply missed. May she walk the golden streets with Dad this Christmas, listening to her favorite hymns sung by the angels.

She is preceded in death by her husband Robert, parents, brother George Shaw, twin sister Marcy (and husbands Marvin Lautner and Norman Balthaser) and sister Mary (survived by husband Edwin Gregory).

Mazie is survived by daughters and ‘sons’ Gail and Eric Cherry, Judy and Bud Boss, Christie and Joseph Vogelheim, Susan and Richard Miller, Paula and Gary Strange, and Amy and Steven Kovach, 19 grandchildren plus their spouses, 25 great-grandchildren plus 2 on the way, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A celebration of Mazie’s life will be planned during a safer season as we honor how she cared for others.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Community Reformed Church’s Memorial Fund.