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Catherine Rathbun posted a condolence
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Dear Nadia, Your mum was a light of hope and health in the early difficult days of the Ballet School. I remember with such gratitude she and your dad welcoming us into your home and feeding us delicious borscht and chestnut dessert. Her kindness embraced us all and her lovely tinkling laughter echoes through my mind as I write this. May she travel well on the wings of love from your family and from all of us, her pupils. With best wishes to you all, Catherine
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Cathy Sarino posted a condolence
Thursday, January 6, 2011
I was most saddened to hear of Madame's passing. Madame Potts was a vibrant teacher that always put us to the test. She had a smile that lit up the room and indeed, my heart. I have fond memories of learning a Russian song phonetically for Mr. Valukin. With all of our giggles, she brought order to the day and I do believe we impressed him with our polished performance. Please accept my sincere condolences at this very sad time in your lives.
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Gloria Luoma posted a condolence
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Dearest Nadia, Alexander, Harold, the lovely Natalia, and to all your family, my sincerest condolences on the loss of your remarkable mother. Last evening as Alexander and Nadia were speaking eloquently on the heroic life of their mother I experienced a fleeting moment of 'spiritual oneness' that I'm certain all in attendance shared...with the kind and brilliant soul of Lucy Potts. From the moment I arrived, alarmed at being a half hour early I felt Lucy's presence...Madame knew well that puctuality was not usually my virtue. Spontaneous moments then began surfacing in my mind from the formative and fortunate years of being one of Madame's students. I recalled how after we engineered a short lived but never the less high octane 3 AM 'midnight feast' at the 506 Jarvis St. junior residence we arrived in class the next day and Madame saw right through the eyes of our twelve year old souls and remarked with a wicked smile directed at me, "El capitaine." Paralysed my posture maintained military erectness for days and my focus and comprehension of the french language soared. Madame knew well how to inject sparkle into discipline and shared with us a contagious enthusiasm for learning...and for living. Madame, you will be missed by many and I am so very grateful for your influence and your teachings at such an important time in our lives.
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Anne Taillefer-Veltri posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Dear Mme Potts, You possessed all the qualities a teacher can only dream of having. You inspired your students with your stories and always treated us with respect. I can still see that look in your eyes..the look of wisdom and depth. Your ever smiling face and your wittiness. I feel lucky to have known you and to have had you as my teacher. Au revoir Mme xo My condolences to Nadia, Alexander and family... Thank you for sharing your mother with us all.
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Jane Smith posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Dear Nadia, Last evening was perfect. The wonderful photos; your readings from Lucy's Memoires; all the many old friends. One wished one could have stayed forever. As I have told you many times, Lucy was the first person to greet me in October 1959 when, at Betty's insistence (You will understand my choice of word!), I visited NBS for the first time. I was watching class from the balcony overlooking "Studio B" when she came out of her class and we spent some time together marvelling at what we were both experiencing, watching such lovely young people (as I recall, Miriam, Cathy Rathburn, Doreen etc being taught by Juliette Fisher?)in that amazing space. I did not know then that I would become a part of her world two years later! We were colleagues under Anna's guidance until she became my "boss". Interesting times! She had so much courage to undertake the position given Anna's fate and she never wavered in her support of Betty's vision however difficult the day to day dealings became. The importance of her family was the underpinning of her support for both her staff and her students. What she did for Bob, Alexander and you, she also did for us. The hours she must have spent to make my life possible, fitting my classes and staff meetings around the schedules and needs of four small children, are all the more appreciated now when I see those same children being given little consideration by their employers. She set a standard for us all with her many interests and for the energy and enthusiasm with which she supported the many unusual opportunities offered to the students. We had time for a two hour Friday Speakers and Hobbies seminar in Grade 12 on Fridays because she made it happen! Visitors to the school spoke to everyone! No one missed because they had a ballet class!!!Edmund Hillary; Carol Shelley and Peter Ustinov were lifetime opportunities and she made sure that everyone was there to hear them. I could ramble on forever. Enough to say that she was a pivotal influence on my life together with Betty and my beloved Pat Goss, dearest Bev and other colleagues and students too many to mention who remain close friends and many, almost family. Stephen joins me in sharing the memories and sending much love to you and Alexander and our thanks for sharing your mother with us.
J
Jim and Wendy Warrillow posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Dear Alexander and Nadia: We were at Lucy's memorial yesterday which so well captured Lucy's life and character. The photographs were wonderful too. We loved Lucy and adored her company. She was civilized and funny and well-read and well travelled and a delightful companion. Please accept our sincere condolences - but what a wonderful life she led almost until her last days. Very sincerely, Jim and Wendy Warrillow
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Lindsay Fischer posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Of all the people who inspired me, believed in me, and pushed me to find out what I could do to live up to that belief, Lucy Potts was the most influential. The year I came to the school, Mrs. Potts was absent due to a boating accident that easily could have killed her, except for the fact that her presence of mind and courage were beyond extraordinary. Before even meeting her, she was a legend. Over the years that she taught me, she never failed to live up to that reputation. In an era and a profession where authority had a license to produce excellence through cruelty, Mrs. Potts was unfailing kind, patient, demanding and understanding. Through that example, she showed me that teaching is not about the knowledge of the teacher, extraordinary though that was in her case, but about the generosity with which it is shared, and the excitement at the achievement of the student. Mrs. Potts was a living example of the fact that excellence is best inspired through warmth, humanity and the willingness to know each student as an individual. The thousands of people who know that in their bones, and teach accordingly, are an unending and growing tribute to a truly great woman's life. with great appreciation and many happy memories, Lindsay Fischer
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Alain Pauze posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Dear Nadia, Alexander and family: Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. Our thoughts are with you. Mrs. Potts was a visionary teacher and through her energy and her smile, she brought hope and wisdom into the lives of so many of us. I so fondly remember our "special" French classes with Louise D. and Carole L. and the pleasure of learning she imparted as we read plays and translated literature. She was the most giving teacher I encountered on my journey and as I read other testimonies as this time, I am reminded of how many lives she so deeply touched. She will remain in our hearts forever. Au revoir chère Mme Potts.
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Jeannine Maxfield posted a condolence
Monday, January 3, 2011
I count Madame Potts among the most important and influential people in my life. She had the uncommon gift of being able to see straight into the heart and mind of her students. And she saw into mine. She also introduced to us stories, writers, and ideas that became firmly lodged in my imagination and that inspire me now -- as they did so many years ago in our French classes (one of my favourite times of the week). Perhaps above all, it was Madame Potts who ignited in me a love of language that became the cornerstone of my life's work. I'm not sure that Madame Potts knew just how much she touched me, but I would like for you, Nadia, and your family to know this. With sincere condolences and warm wishes. Jeannine Maxfield
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Cathy (Ricker) Whittaker posted a condolence
Monday, January 3, 2011
The memory of Lucy's grace, elegance and support as I began my teaching career at The School will be cherished. She is a unique spirit, and I send my deepest sympathy to Nadia, Alexander and their families. Sincerely, Cathy Whittaker
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Christopher Kiss posted a condolence
Monday, January 3, 2011
Madame was brilliant, interesting, and even funny. There are things she taught which still amaze and bring a smile to my face. We were all SO fortunate to have her as a teacher in our young lives…. I have trouble even expressing it. It's directly because of her that I have this propensity for languages that I still carry with me today. She would regularly dedicate these extra lunch hours just to help me keep up my German. And she wasn't even my German teacher! Because of Madame, I can actually conjugate verbs better than my own German family members. This is not an exaggeration. Had an oversees conversation - in French - just the other day. How is this possible 28 years after my last French class? Because of Lucy Potts. She opened our young minds to other cultures, values, principals, ideas that went FAR beyond just a classroom. And, I've enjoyed career(s) that spanned the globe. I will always remember and thank her regularly for her seemingly effortless contribution, which I have found myself so grateful for on so many separate occasions. But what I remember most of all….. is how Madame really knew the meaning of word "integrity". Most sincere respect and admiration for Madame, and Nadia. - Christopher Kiss
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Jennifer Browne Duchesne posted a condolence
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Dear Nadia, I wanted to share a memory of your lovely mother with you and your brother. Way back when (1964?)I auditionned for the School, having been a weekly student for at least a year. I certainly should have known how to present myself for the audition but, for whatever reason, I arrived at the School without hair elastic or ballet slippers! Your lovely mother, who I had not known before that, was so helpful to me. A hair elastic appeared in a flash and she then set out to find me slippers that would fit. The solution involved her getting the combination of your locker from you (you were a student then)and opening up your locker and having me try your shoes! Thankfully, they fit. So, it was an easy step from that day to the start of a long admiration of her -- all through my years as a student at the school. I marvelled at how her lovely, slim-fitting skirts fitted her perfectly. She never seemed to gain or lose a pound and nothing pulled or sagged. She was always elegant. And less superficially, she brought into the classroom a realism paired with a relish of life that I have seldom encountered in quite the same proportions. I was glad to read that you and your brother were able to have a good visit her just before her death. It's lovely to think of her not being alone, but being sent onward with so much love. All the best to you and your families. Jennifer Browne Duchesne
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Judi Richards posted a condolence
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Mrs Lucy Potts has always been my idol as a woman. From my years at the NBS in the 60's, her teaching skills, her reassuring manner and her stunning looks made her my all around ideal to look up to and to copy. I remember her giving me a B+ on a french composition because I used the double adjective «tellement tellement» in a moment of creative inspiration. Might it have been this encouragement that landed me a touring job that required french in la belle province ? My french husband to be picked up from there ;-) I also vividly remember a stay over at the Pott's home. I was maybe 13, and so impressed at Lucy's health orientated governing I slept in the basement in a comfy bed with a feather cover ( wow ! ) the window wide open in the dead of winter. I'll never forget being served brains and tongue for breakfast. Strange, though I still dislike those foods, I do keep a window open at night. I am so grateful that Lucy opened my mind to other cultures, other languages and ways of being... all with such class. Lucy Potts defined class for me. She will always be a part of me... My heart goes out to you Nadia... with great respect and love, judi
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Veronica Gareau posted a condolence
Saturday, January 1, 2011
I knew Lucy for a few short years and always admired her indomitable spirit and curiosity. She was a fine person and made a great contribution to the lives of others. She will be missed by all.
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Lesley Currie posted a condolence
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Dear Nadia I am so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. I knew Lucy as a colleague and a friend and greatly admired her fine character, formidable intelligence and warm, caring nature. She was always a pleasure to be with and I was honoured by her friendship. She was always so very proud of her family. Your lives and the lives of her many students, colleagues and friends were all enriched by her love, support and wisdom; this will be her legacy. In fond memory of a great lady.
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Wendy Rossiter (Walker) posted a condolence
Friday, December 31, 2010
Dear Nadia, Please know that I am thinking of you and your family, and have been throughout the Holidays. I certainly don't need to tell you that your Mum was a very unique woman who touched the lives of so many in all areas of her life. I am sure this is a very difficult time for you, as it is extremely hard to think of this world without your Mum in it. Her sparkling presence was strong, loving, nurturing, encouraging and comforting to so many of us throughout her time at the NBS and, I am sure, in all other walks of her life. What a wonderful woman to call Mother..... indeed a blessing to you and your family. And what a wonderful woman for all of us to have known as a teacher, mentor, friend and truly giving spirit. Indeed, a blessing to all of us. With love and the most sincere condolences, Wendy Rossiter (Walker) .
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Eva Robertson posted a condolence
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Oh Dear Mdme Potts, I will miss you doubly now, though I have missed you for many years now. Thank you for enriching my life so deeply, and for giving me wise words to remember and pass on to my children. Many messages I didn't properly hear back when I was a student, but they have nonetheless stayed with me, and they regularly inform the affairs of my daily life, one being the immeasurable value of hard work, faith in oneself, and commitment (80% hard work, 20% talent, you always said, and now the latest scientific research on success factors bears you out). And you had the marvelous gift of never being surprised by what a student said -- you listened and engaged us and tested us, and were everlastingly patient, though more demanding than we thought just or reasonable. You were old-school Mdme Potts, and yet way ahead of your time. I wish there were teachers like you today. I will raise a toast to you this new year (a Dubonnet, because you introduced me and our graduating class to that drink), and I will do my best to live up to the expectations you had of me. All my heartfelt condolences to you, beautiful Nadia (in whose eyes your mother's wonderful spirit lives on!), and to your family.
J
Jane MacIntyre-Elliott posted a condolence
Thursday, December 30, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve the loss of a wonderful person. I have very fond memories of Madame Potts as a teacher/mentor during my time at NBS.
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Janie Brennan posted a condolence
Thursday, December 30, 2010
I was so saddened to hear of your dear Mother's passing. Madame Potts was a very special person whose loving presence, joy and inspiration (not to mention her wonderful sense of humour) will continue to live on in my memory. She was every students' "Second Mother"...I know she was mine. The quintessential "Mama Bear", Madame Potts was always so protective of her "cubs". My life was greatly enriched by knowing her and I shall miss her always. May your own happy memories be a source of comfort to you now. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you as you journey through this profoundly difficult and sad time. Rest in sweet peace, Madame Potts. May God wrap His loving arms around you for eternity...just as you wrapped your loving arms around me. With Love, Blessings and Deepest Sympathy, Janie Brennan (1975)
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Anne & Sam Moses posted a condolence
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Dear Nadia, We are so sorry for your loss. I know it's an especially hard time of year for the loss of a parent. Your mother was such an influence in my life during my time at NBS - so many lessons I won't forget. It's wonderful that she had such a long and full life. Much love to you and your family. Annie & Sam
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Annemarie Cabri posted a condolence
Thursday, December 30, 2010
To the family of Lucy Potts, My condolences to everyone connected to Madame Potts, this wonderful lady. I was a student accepted at the tail end of high school at NBS and remember Madame's distinguished presence as she walked through the hallways. I was not fortunate to have had her as a teacher but the guidance and warmth I saw Madame give to those who were, will greatly be remembered. My most warm regards, Annemarie Cabri
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Ellen Shearer posted a condolence
Monday, December 27, 2010
Dear Nadia, Madame Potts was such a strong support while I was at NBS -- I can't imagine surviving without her. We gained so much from her hard-earned respect for challenges. That spirited impatience with anything less than the best one could do -- always with warmth and humour. I'll never forget her infectious delight when one of us finally learned to say l'oeil, or les odieux besognes de la cuisine. She will always be missed. Affectionately, Ellen
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sabina allemann posted a condolence
Friday, December 24, 2010
I was very saddened to here of Lucy's passing. Lucy Potts, was by far one of the most influencial of my academic teachers at The National Ballet School - she tutored me privately in Russian for many years and to this day I still often think of how valuable those classes were for me. She was such a kind, patient and giving person as well as teacher and will be missed greatly. With much affection, Sabina Allemann
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DIanne M. Buxton posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Nadia and family: I'm sure I'm among many to say that Lucy was a favorite teacher, friend and mentor. I have so often thought back to some of the conversations we had while we shared an office with Betty Oliphant, way back then when space was scant. Her sparkling eyes and pretty smile stay in my memory. Her strength of character, always an inspiration. Dianne Buxton, from Southern California.
