Potter, Judith Kay (Reyelts) Judith Kay Potter, age 77, of New Brighton, MN, passed away November 2, 2020 at her home with family by her side after living with Par kinson's Disease for over 15 years. Judy was born on February 16, 1943 to Lorenz and Ellyce (Andrews) Reyelts. She was the middle sister to DeeAnna (Nels) Granholm and Ann (Jim) Lasley. The sisters grew up on a farm in Britton, SD. The three sisters were very close. Music was a big part of their lives, and frequent shopping trips to Aberdeen with their mother were fond memories. Throughout the years many family celebrations were shared in Redwood Falls, MN where Ann and Jim would host the annual golf tournament and Brookings, SD where Dee and Nels would host Hobo Days. Judy married Alan Potter of Pierpont, SD on September 18, 1965 after they graduated from South Dakota State University. The couple relocated to the Twin Cities. Judy was a school nurse in St. Paul Schools for over 30 years and during that time also received her Master's in Public Health from the U of MN in 1992. She was especially good at giving extra attention and love to children in need. Judy and Al celebrated 55 years of a loving marriage together this year. They have two daughters, Erin (Keith) Carnish, and Jenny (Jon Rathbun) Potter. Judy was the best mother the girls could ask for and she loved her sons-in-law greatly. Judy was most proud of being a Grandmother to 5 wonderful kids: Quinn (18), Camille (15), and Colin (15) Carnish and Ellyce (16) and J.T. (14) Rathbun. Grandma Judy and Grandpa Al attended countless sporting and school events over the years. She never missed an opportunity to tell friends how wonderful her children and grandchildren were. Judy also loved her many nieces and nephews, who were all recipients of her warm smile and loving presence. Alan and Judy were proud founding members of Pilgrim House Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Arden Hills, MN and greatly valued their many friends. She and Alan traveled extensively during their marriage and visited many different places including Europe, China, and Egypt. Parkinson's disease slowly took away Judy's physical abilities, but with Alan's help she continued to spend time at family gatherings and events and she never seemed to complain. Her amazing attitude dealing with all the struggles from her illness was truly an example we all would hope to follow. Judy and Alan together gave their family a foundation of love that will continue on. A celebration of Judy's life will take place sometime next summer when we are able to gather and hug our family safely. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parkinson's Foundation, parkinson.org

Published on November 15, 2020