Helen Schonbachler Potter was born on Nov. 4, 1922 at home in San Francisco”s Bayview District with the assistance of Dr. Nellie. A resident of Lake County for the past 27 years, she passed away June 27, 2006, in Lakeport, finally succumbing to lung cancer.
Helen had crystal blue eyes that could see through any pretense. Her sense of humor and relentless spirit touched the hearts of all who knew her. Helen married one of her childhood friends, Ike Potter, in 1942 before he went off to war. Helen and Ike shared a long and full life together, with four children and lifelong friends in Bayview, Visitacion Valley (SF) and Clearlake. They spent many hours on the baseball field following Ike”s semi-pro and SF Old Timers careers, and games of their children and friends. Helen loved children; her kitchen table and her heart were always open to friends and one in need. She spent the last 14 years of her life volunteering in the classroom as “Grandma” at East Side Elem. and Burns Valley Elem. schools in Clearlake. She received a “Citizen of the Year” award for this service from the Konocti USD in May. Helen was also active in St. Vincent De Paul and Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Clearlake, and a charter member of the Over 55 Club at Church of the Visitacion in SF.
Helen was preceded in death by husband Ike; her parents, Jakob and Josephine Schonbachler; sisters, Josie Schonbachler and Regina Talavera; brother, William “Goog” Schonbachler; nieces, Barbara Schonbachler Flanum and Marie Potter O”Halloran.
Helen is survived by many loving family members her children George, Steve, Peggy, and Mike; granddaughter, Kelley; her best friend and dear sister Theresa (Charlie) Attard; and many nieces, nephews and great-grand nieces and nephews.
We thank family caregivers, Hospice, and Lakeport Skilled Nursing Center for excellent care in Helen”s final days.
At Helen”s request there will be no funeral.
A graveside service is planned for noon,Wednesday at Golden Gate National Cemetery.
Please sign the guestbook at www.record-bee.com, click on obituaries.
(Published in the Lake County Record-Bee on July 4, 2006)
