Karen Potter

RUTLAND/SUTTON – Karen Vanderwart Potter, 70, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 23rd after a long illness. She was the daughter of the late Herman Jr. & Joyce (Orton) Vanderwart. She grew up in Acton and lived in Sutton for many years. Karen spent her last seven years living in Rutland.

She will be sadly missed by her son Matthew and his wife Corrine Potter; two grandchildren Victoria and Varick Potter. Karen will also be missed by her younger siblings Herman Vanderwart III and Stacy (Vanderwart) Pelletier; nephew Timothy Pelletier; the Orton cousins and the Vanderwart cousins.

Karen was a claims Examiner at Paul Revere/Unum much of her adult life. Karen was a lifelong learner after finishing High school in Acton she continued her education with an AD in Liberal Studies, at Green Mountain College; BA in Liberal Studies at Assumption College; AD in Paralegal Studies at Mt. Wachusett; and her most recent degree was an MA in History at Worcester State University. This was only a fraction of what she accomplished through education.

Her passions included teaching which brought her on her journey with the Peace Corp to Benin, West Africa. While she was there, she was an English teacher and a mentor to many. She has taught in a wide variety of classrooms throughout her life including her many years as a volunteer ESL teacher.

Karen’s greatest love was her family, her favorite pastime was attending her grandchildren’s sporting events where she was always the ultimate fan. She enjoyed genealogy, playing golf as a member at the Bedrock Golf Club, and the Red Sox, where she was given her honorary name The Fenway Fairy!

Family and Friends are invited to attend calling hours on Sunday, January 2nd from 2 to 5 p.m. at Mulhane Home for Funerals, 45 N. Main Street, Millbury.

Karen’s funeral service will be held on Monday January 3rd at 10 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Sutton, 307 Boston Road in Sutton.

Although, flowers are welcome in lieu of flowers you may consider donating to The Marine Corp Heritage Foundation at: https://www.marineheritage.org/makedonation.html