Velma Ilene (Sharp) Potter

Velma Ilene Potter, a beacon of strength, loyalty, and love, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2024, in Scotts Valley, California. Born on April 26, 1926, in Mishawaka, Indiana, Velma was the daughter of Milton and Lucy Sharp. She lived through some of the most transformative periods of history, including World War II, the Great Depression, and the monumental strides in women's rights, all of which sculpted her into the formidable woman she was.

Velma was predeceased by her beloved husband, Arthur H. Potter, her daughter Kat DeDontney, her parents, and siblings Violet Cook, James Sharp, and Doris Cook. She leaves behind a legacy of love with her children Chris Potter, Jere Potter (Vicky), and Abby Tromblee (Tom); her grandchildren Anthony Potter (Nicole), Jennifer Tuttle (Daniel), Stephanie Dickson (Rob), Jade Potter (Nic), Justin Gates, Jason Gates, Paige Tromblee, and Claire Orozco (Zach); and her great-grandchildren Elise, Jayden, Savana, Riley, Payden, Payslee, Ivy, Nolan, and Landry.

Velma's career as an Executive Secretary at California Water Services Company was marked by her dedication, organizational skills, and her unique ability to hold her ground. She was not just a secretary but a pivotal force in the office, known for her honesty, hard work, and reliability. Velma also cherished learning, earning an Associate's degree from Cabrillo College through night courses spread over several years.

In her personal life, Velma was an embodiment of warmth and independence. She had a passion for writing poetry, was an avid reader, and enjoyed watching QVC. Her love for animals and tropical vacations painted her as a woman of varied interests. Velma was also skilled in shorthand, a craft she mastered, and was known for her remarkable typing speed.

She possessed an incredible memory, capable of recalling minute details from decades past with startling clarity. She could effortlessly recount the name and life story of someone she'd met only briefly 40 years ago, or vividly describe what she wore to a specific event long forgotten by others. Her love for music was equally remarkable; she was never without a tune on her lips, always humming or singing. We would often test her by challenging her to think of songs containing obscure words, and she never failed, her mind a vast library of melodies. This musical talent endeared her to all her children and grandchildren, who remember her for the silly songs she sang, each one a cherished melody of love and whimsy. Her upbringing in the heartland of America perhaps endowed her with a knack for colorful idioms, which she used with flair. Despite growing up in the 1940s, a time known for its share of vices, she never indulged in drinking, smoking, or swearing, though she did have a soft spot for sweets, always insisting on "just a little" dessert. Remarkably, she managed to balance full-time work with raising her children, and even after becoming a widow, she held the family together with unwavering strength and grace on a single income, proving her resilience and dedication as both a mother and a provider.

Her commitment to community service was evident in her volunteer work, notably in her special needs granddaughter's classroom and delivering Meals on Wheels. She was a woman who found joy in helping others.

The story of how Velma met her life partner, Art, is one of serendipity and familial matchmaking. On New Year's Eve 1947, despite initial reluctance, they were set up on a date by Art's mother, leading to a lifelong partnership. Their love story was not just about them but also intertwined with family, as both Velma and Art's best friends, including her sister Violet, also married and their families remained close, sharing traditions and memories.

Velma's life was a testament to living through change with grace and courage. Her journey from Indiana to San Francisco, embarked upon with nothing but hope, symbolizes her adventurous spirit.

A celebration of Velma's life will be held on November 24, 2024, from 1pm to 5pm at the Seymour Center in Santa Cruz, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Santa Cruz County, a cause close to Velma's heart. https://www.hospicesantacruz.org

Velma Ilene Potter was our family matriarch, the foundation upon which we all stand, and undoubtedly, the best mom ever. Her memory will continue to inspire and guide us.

Published in Press Banner · October 29, 2024