Obituary: Potter, Winifred
Age 93
Freddie Anne Whiteside was born to Ed and Hazel Whiteside on July 22, 1920 in Michigan City, IN, where she spent the first 10 years of her life.
She and her family moved to Rocky River, OH, (a suburb of Cleveland) where she had wonderful memories and made life-long friendships.
She was raised in a musical family — her mother was a church organist and her father was a choir director with a beautiful baritone voice.
Her love of music continued throughout her life.
During WWII she worked as a passenger agent for United Airlines — years which provided her with wonderful stories and adventures.
She married Norton (“Pete”) Potter in Feb of 1951 and together they built a happy life together in Evanston, IL.
These years were full with raising three children, being active in school and community organizations, singing and performing with The Folk Chorale vocal group and serving as scout leader.
In 1968 Pete and Freddie moved their family to California, purchasing an avocado ranch in Fallbrook, CA.
In Fallbrook, Freddie continued her community service as a member of the Fallbrook Planning Commission, 4-H community leader, volunteer “pink lady” at Fallbrook Hospital and as an officer in the San Diego chapter of ASTA (American Assoc of Travel Agents).
She has been a member of PEO since 1975.
In 1978 Freddie and Pete opened two travel agencies — Fallbrook Travel in Fallbrook, and The Travel Agent in Temecula, CA.
Thus began their traveling years.
Together they experienced many adventures including a cruise down the Amazon, a trip on a mail boat into the fjords of Norway, Senior Exchange to Japan, plus trips to the British Isles, Europe, Africa, China and Australia/NZ.
In 1999 Freddie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, and moved to Spokane, WA, in 2001.
She made many wonderful friends at Fairwood Retirement Community, Chapter CQ of PEO, and Knox Presbyterian Church.
She loved the symphony concerts and soirees, and wouldn’t dream of missing any of the Spokane community events, including Bloomsday, Neighbor Day/4th of July and Pig Out in the Park.
If it was happening in or near Spokane, Freddie would be there, even if it meant using a wheelchair in recent years.
Always the adventurer, she celebrated her 90th birthday by parasailing in Coeur d’Alene, even making the evening news that night.
Freddie was also preceded in death by her parents, Edward Edgley and Alida Hazel Dix Whiteside, and brother, Richard E Whiteside.
She is survived by her children Marci (John) Jasek, Judy Potter, and Ed (Debbie) Potter; grandchildren Dan Jasek, Michelle Jasek, Chris (Nicole) Potter, Crystal (Rob) Petrykowski; great-grandchildren Molly Potter, Lilla Petrykowski and Milo Petrykowski; cousin Robert Moysey; as well as nieces, nephews, and very many precious friends.
A Memorial Service will be held at Knox Presbyterian Church on Saturday, July 20th at 11 am.
Memorial gifts may be directed to Knox Presbyterian Church or Hospice of Spokane.