Obituary of Maryhelen Potanas

Maryhelen Potanas June 7, 2011 Maryhelen Sweeney Potanas, 90, of Camillus passed away Tuesday. Born in Utica, she grew up in Eastwood and was a graduate of the College of New Rochelle. She worked at the Weather Bureau during WWII and at that time learned to fly. When Peter Potanas came home from WWII and heard of a woman who flew airplanes and could shoot pool, he asked to meet her. They became engaged shortly after, married and had six children. Peter would predecease her in 1988. She was a devout catholic and was a volunteer in the religious education office at Holy Family. She helped build the Fairmount Community Library and later would see that the West Genesee H.S. swimming pool was built. In the 1970's she was able to take up oil painting. For many years she was a regular exhibitor and award winner at the NYS Fair. She had a love for travel and made numerous trips abroad. Survivors: her children, Michael Potanas of Syracuse, Mary Monica Riley of Camillus, P. Mark (Mary Kendall) Potanas of New Hampshire, Ann (Gary) Vinette of Virginia, John (Helen Rocket) Potanas of New York City, Jeanne Potanas of Syracuse; 13 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren; her brother, Henry (Marguerite) Sweeney of E. Syracuse; 14 nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews. Services: 9:30 a.m. Friday at Tindall Funeral Home and 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family Church. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, DeWitt. Calling hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday the funeral home, 1921 W Genesee St., Syracuse. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Fairmount Community Library, 406 Chapel Dr., Syracuse, NY 13219 or WAVES, PO Box 156, Camillus, NY 13031.