Carolyn E. Potser

Carolyn E. Potser, 97, of Phoebe Richland Healthcare Retirement Community in Richland Township, died peacefully on July 29, 2025. Born in Coopersburg on October 9, 1927, she lived in Quakertown for 80 years before moving to Phoebe Allentown in 2008. She was the eldest daughter of the late Harry and Pearl (Rothrock) Potser, and sister to Sandra (Potser) Cressman (late Walter) and the late Joan Potser. She is also survived by her nephews Daniel Cressman (Maurine) and David Cressman (Sherri); grand-nieces Lauren and Tiffany Cressman; and her cousin, Barbara Rothrock; along with extended family members and friends. 

After graduating from Quakertown High School in 1945, Carolyn earned a B.S. in Secondary Education from Temple University and an M.A. in English from Lehigh University. She taught all subjects for two years at Fairhill School in Hilltown Township and then taught English and Creative Writing for 36 years at Quakertown Community Senior High School, where she also served as Chair of the English Department for 26 years.

Carolyn was a member of the First United Church of Christ in Quakertown since her confirmation in 1943 and participated in its Sunday School earlier in life.

She was active in the Alpha Sigma Tau sorority in both collegiate and alumnae chapters. While teaching, she was invited to join the Alpha Nu (Bucks County) chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, an honorary society for women educators. She was also a member of NEA, PSEA, and PASR, all professional education organizations.

While living in Quakertown, she was a member of the Quakertown Woman’s Club and served as an officer and board member for 17 years in the local chapter of AARP.

During her time at Phoebe Terrace, she chaired the committee responsible for maintaining the community’s library and served as editor of the house magazine, which featured 25 pages of creative writing by residents.

Friends and former students may remember Carolyn’s enthusiasm for travel. She visited all 50 states as well as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, but traveled most often to Europe, making many trips there.

She cherished numerous friends—including those with classmates, former teachers (especially Anna Neamand, Elizabeth Treffinger, and Mary Stever), and her former students. She valued them all and was especially grateful to Diane Williamson Stoneback for helping make her later years active, interesting, and happy.

A very special friendship began in 2002 when Carolyn, presiding at an AARP meeting, reconnected with a new member, Jack (John) Yost—her former classmate from grades 1 through 12. They had not seen each other in over 50 years. They spent time together, fell in love, and were companions until his death in 2013.

All are invited to visit with Carolyn’s family on Thursday, August 7, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd., 135 W. Pumping Station Road, Quakertown, PA 18951 (215-536-3343). A funeral service will begin at 2:00 PM, followed by a graveside service at Quakertown Union Cemetery.

The Family would like to give a special thank you to Phoebe and Grandview Hospital Hospice for their loving and caring assistance.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made on behalf of Carolyn to First United Church of Christ in Quakertown, 151 S. 4th Street, Quakertown, PA 18951 or Phoebe Richland HCC Community of Life, 108 S. Main Street, Richlandtown, PA 18955, or Grandview Hospital Hospice, 18 S. 5th Street Quakertown, PA 18951. 

Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Serivce, Ltd. (215-536-3343). Visit www.nauglefcs.com to leave an online condolence for the family.