Judy Grace Potts

• 

Judy Grace Potts, a gifted teacher and beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on July 20, 2017 at age 74. Judy was born on November 27, 1942 to Dwight and Grace King of St. Louis Park. Judy was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Paula King Reichow. She is survived by her husband and best friend of 51 years, Bob, her daughters Julie (Brad) Close & Amy (Paul) Alegi, her grandchildren and biggest fans Caroline & Natalie Close and Andrew, Grace & Catherine Alegi, her sister Kathy Murphy (George Daniels), and numerous other family members and friends who were family. Judy attended the University of Minnesota, where she received her degree in education in 1964. She devoted her professional life to elementary education, and was particularly passionate about inspiring a love for reading in her students. She taught in the Hopkins School District her entire career, first as a 3rd grade classroom teacher at Westview Elementary, and, after a break to stay at home with her daughters (and teach them to read!), as a Title 1 teacher at Alice Smith Elementary. "Mrs. Potts" was a favorite with her students because she believed in them and their capacity for learning. She was a master at inventing all kinds of literacy and math games for them that felt more like fun than work - with the best prizes! Judy was the center of her family. She was her daughters' closest advisor and confidante, she was a magical grandma who always had a great craft, game, or special project planned for the kids, she was Bob's favorite travel partner as they explored the world after retirement, and her dearest companion was also her little sister, who she loved fiercely even when Kathy beat her at Scrabble (she was the only one who could!). Judy was also a cherished friend who added spark and laughter to vacations, bridge groups, dinner parties, book clubs, and coffee dates over the years. We will all hold tight to our memories of her bright light and beauty forever. A Celebration of Judy's life will take place on Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at 1:30 pm at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, with a reception immediately following at The Minikahda Club. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Judy King Potts Endowment for Teaching & Literacy - University of Minnesota College of Education & Human Development.

Published on July 23, 2017