Helen Potteiger

Helen V. Potteiger, 99, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2011, with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren at her side. Mrs. Potteiger was born at home in Reading, Pennsylvania on October 5, 1911. She was the beloved daughter of Franciszek and Wiktorya (Gindera) Cieplinski. Her father came to the United States from Poland in the late 1890's, and her parents owned and operated the Reading Hotel for many years. She was predeceased by her six (6) brothers: John, Walter, Stanley, Joseph, and Frank, and four (4) sisters: Mary, Annie, Jennie and Lottie. Her brother John Cieplinski, was killed in combat at age 19 in the service of his country in World War I as an infantryman in the United States Army.
Mrs. Potteiger was employed by Berkshire Kitting Mills in Wyomissing as a Looper for 25 years, retiring in 1951. During that time, she married her supervisor, Arthur L. Potteiger and they resided in Berks County, primarily Sinking Springs, until his death on May 16, 1996. She was predeceased in 1994 by their only child, Ardelle A. Kelly, a graduate of the Reading Hospital School of Nursing, and a resident of Sparta Township, NJ.
Throughout her life, Helen was a dedicated source of vitality, strength, skill and support to her extended family, community and church. "Nana", as she was known to her grand and great-grandchildren, was always busy making things - whether it was sewing a new outfit, crocheting projects for family and church, or the wonderful meals and desserts she made every day.
Mrs. Potteiger resided with her grandson Kevin D. Kelly and five (5) great-grandchildren in Newton, New Jersey following the passing of her husband in 1996. She is also survived by her beloved granddaughter Kathleen A. Emanuel, her husband Lloyd Emanuel, their two (2) children in Rye, New York, as well as three (3) additional great-grandchildren in Las Vegas.
Mrs. Potteiger resided at Bristol Glen in Newton, NJ during the last few years of her life; both she and her family are extremely grateful to the administration and staff for the exceptional care and treatment that she received.
She was a devout Catholic and a devoted member and supporter of St. Ignatius Loyola Roman Catholic Church in Sinking Spring, PA.

Mrs. Potteiger requested that contributions be made to St. Ignatius Church in lieu of flowers.