Kathryn (Kathy) V. Potts

Kathryn (Kathy) V. Potts died tragically early Wednesday morning, March 2, in a house fire at her Dalton home. Born in Newark, New Jersey, she was the only child of the late Chester (Sam) Potts (born in Scranton) and Lorraine Davis Potts.

Her late maternal grandfather Joseph (Joe) Davis was a sergeant with the Newark, NJ, police department and looked upon Kathy as another daughter. She and Joe were very close. During their many talks and walks over the years he was instrumental in helping her embrace most of the values by which she lived – tell the truth, expect the truth, seek the truth, develop her strong curiosity, and help others. Kathy also began her interest in political matters during her nurturing relationship with her grandfather.

Kathy's elementary education was provided by Dominican church schools in New Jersey. It was during these formative years that two beloved teaching nuns and her school principal sensed her potential and encouraged her to consider the teaching profession. She graduated from Newark Preparatory School in a two-year experimental high school program for gifted students.

Potts attended Trenton State College for one year during which time she played on the basketball, field hockey and lacrosse teams. She also played on The State of New Jersey's Women's Lacrosse team.

Following her year at Trenton State, Kathy spent several years in the business world in preparation for pursuing her dream of obtaining the necessary education and credentials to become a classroom teacher. She graduated from Monmouth University with a BS in Education, certified to teach K-12.

She began her career at Asbury Park High School in New Jersey, teaching history and social studies for grades 10 through 12. Later in her tenure there, she was asked to consider chairing the History Department but declined, preferring to assist her vice-principal and principal with special assignments, including writing curriculum. These gentlemen knew of Kathy's work with troubled students, often before and after school, and encouraged her to pursue a Master's Degree in counseling.

Kathy received a Master's Degree in Secondary Education Counseling from Marywood University. She completed her internship at Dunmore High School, assigned almost immediately to classroom work because of her previous experience at Asbury Park High School. She held duel certifications as a classroom teacher K-12 in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, along with a New Jersey certification in Pupil Personnel Services.

Following Kathy's graduation from Marywood, she began working part-time for a local psychologist helping with counseling troubled teenagers. It was at this time that she began to suffer health issues which prevented her from returning to a full-time high school position and she was forced to abandon her dream of continuing to help troubled youth in her chosen field. She was, however, a resource to many parents over the ongoing years as opportunities were presented to her.

Kathy is survived by her best friend and roommate, Susan Zenke, of Dalton, and many cousins. During her healthier years, Kathy and Susan were able to travel extensively, enjoying many adventures together. A trip in 1996 lasted for 3-1/2 months when they crossed the lower US and back by car. A similar trip occurred in 1999 when they again traveled west through Canada and back through the lower US. Many other shorter trips were enjoyed during Kathy's healthy years, all of which have left loving and cherished memories for Susan.

A memorial service, officiated by Rev. William Carter and assisted by Father John Lapera will be held Saturday March 11 at 1 PM from the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 418 S. State St. Clarks Summit PA 18411. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family in Forest Hills Cemetery, Dunmore.

Friends may call from noon until time of service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Dalton Fire Company, Main Street and Turnpike Road, Dalton, PA 18414.

To sign the online guestbook, please visit the funeral home website.