She was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Dec. 10, 1932, a daughter of Wilma and James Shenal. She spent some of her younger years in Pittsburgh and then moved to Detroit, Michigan to live with her aunts, Florence and Grace. She graduated high school in Detroit and attended Wayne State University in Michigan.
On Feb. 19, 1955, she married Albert A. Potvin in Orono. They raised their six children in Old Orchard Beach and Biddeford.
She worked for 27 years at U.S. Customs in Portland – her last position was import specialist. She retired in 1990.
She enjoyed playing cards (poker) with her many friends as well as playing bingo and canasta. She started every day by reading her Portland Press Herald (40- plus year subscriber), and she enjoyed game shows on TV (“The Price is Right” was her favorite). She proudly attended many sporting events/dance recitals for her children and grandchildren.
She was an avid fan of the San Antonio Spurs. She was known for her famous macaroni “dish,” homemade meatballs, and her sweet potatoes. She loved to shop (especially on Black Friday), and she took great pride in her fashions. She enjoyed seasonal/holiday decorating.
Special thanks to her friends and the caretakers at The Inn at Atlantic Heights, where she lived for the last three years. Also want to thank Dr. Eberhim and Dr. Macneal for caring for her over the last few years, and for the final care she received at Gosnell.
She is preceded in death by: her husband, Albert, in 2003; and her son, Joel Potvin in 2010.
She is survived by: two sons, Thomas Potvin of Old Orchard Beach, and Timothy Potvin of Revere, Massachusetts; three daughters, Lisa Potvin (husband Rob Ross) of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Nicole Potvin of Saco, and Stephanie (Troy) Malish of San Antonio, Texas; and a special daughter-in-law, Marie Potvin of Biddeford. She had three grandchildren: Matthew Potvin, Ashley Potvin, and Kendall Malish; and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her sister, Wilma Jean Brooks of Florida.
Friends may gather to remember Pat on Sunday, Nov. 8 from 3-6 p.m. at Hope Memorial Chapel on Elm Street in Biddeford.
A mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s church on Monday, Nov. 9 at 9 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Joel Potvin Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Nicole Potvin, 300 Lincoln St., Saco, ME 04072.
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