Barbara I. Potterton

Barbara Isham Potterton, of Manchester, CT passed away on February 9, 2018 at the age of 103 years old. She was born in Waterbury, CT daughter of Sarah and Austin Isham. At a young age her family moved to a farm in Woodbury. Barbara kept a daily diary from the time she was 12 years old, until 2009. She went through the Woodbury school system and then entered Connecticut Agricultural College (now the University of Connecticut). Barbara was elected President of her class in her senior year, and was President of the Womens' Student Association and Secretary of the Student Senate as well as a member of Sigma Nu Sorority. She received her Bachelor Degree in Nutrition Education in 1935 and her Masters in 1962.

Barbara taught Home Economics in Junior and Senior High Schools in Ludlow, VT, in CT in Wethersfield, Glastonbury and Bennett and Illing Junior High Schools in Manchester. She served as President of the Hartford Home Economics Association. She was a charter member of the Natural History Museum of CT and a life member of the UConn Alumni Association. As a member of the Homemakers Club in Manchester, Barbara helped develop the Meals on Wheels program. She was a charter member of Chapter #1275 AARP and served as President for two years, as well as holding other positions.

During the war years of the 1940's, Barbara was appointed to the town committee of Food Supply and Preservation, and taught classes in Nutrition, Mass Feeding, Food Preservation and Preparation. Barbara was a Wapping Grange 50 year member, and served in many Wapping Fair offices.

The Potterton family took many camping trips across the U.S., Eastern Canada, New England and Southern U.S. In 1978, Barbara and her husband George, joined the CT Friendship Force Organization for their first trip to Germany. They served as ambassadors and hosts to families in a dozen different countries.

They were on the building committee and were charter members of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in South Windsor. Barbara was chairman of the altar guild and church school.
George and Barbara had a large garden and orchard, and she continued to maintain the yard, garden, orchard, and to preserve many foods well into her nineties. She enjoyed embroidery, needlepoint, and counted cross stitching.

Barbara is survived by her daughter and son in law, Marcia and Chuck Eaton; daughter in law, Pamela Potterton, and nephew and wife, Bill and Kathy Potterton, and Bob and Joan Potterton. She is also survived by five grandsons and wives, CDR Stephen Spratt, USN, Ret. and Christine, Charles Eaton and Cheryl, Michael Eaton and Sarah, Toby Potterton, and LCDR Coastguard Jonathan Potterton and Sarah. She has 6 great-grandchildren, Nora, Logan, Calder, Hannah, Charlie and Emily. She was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, George, daughters Georgia and Priscilla and son Leland.

Many thanks to the wonderful staff at St. Joseph Living Center, Windham for their loving care and friendships.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 10:00 A.M., at St Peter's Church, 99 Sand Hill Road, South Windsor, with reception following the service. There will be no calling hours, and interment will be at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, you may contribute to St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 99 Sand Hill Road, South Windsor, or St. Peter's Episcopal Church, PO Box 251, Hebron CT. To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.holmeswatkins.com

Service DetailsSaturday, February 17th, 2018 10:00am, St. Peter's Episcopal Church
Interment DetailsEast Cemetery