Obituary of Dawn Rosemary Potts

DAWN ROSEMARY POTTS (NEE ROBER)

April 5, 1928 - January 18, 2023

Dawn, lived a very full life and created a home that for decades was a source of warmth and laughter for everyone who walked through the front door. She maintained her sharp wit, love for others and keen interest into her 95th year and managed independently on her own terms, supported by her loving children – calling themselves “Team Dawn” – devoted to her the way she had devoted her life to them.

Predeceased by her husband, the Honourable Mr. Justice Joseph Henry Potts in 2006 after 52 years of marriage. Mother of seven children: Joe (d.), Roberta (Patrick), Arthur (Lisa), Richard (Angela), Diana (Stevenson), Gordon (Gillian), and Bruce (d.), and grandmother to 18 grandchildren: Gavin (d.), Trevor, Jason (d.), Joanna, Alex, Arthur (d.), Lizzie, Robin, Dara, Courtney, Morgan, Justin, Aidan, Alison, Leslie, Lindsay, Audrey and Jay, and great grandmother to Haven and Sophie.

Born in Bristol, England to parents Hilda Irene Rober (Young) and Colin Thompson Rober she came to Canada at the age of four and was raised in Toronto with her brother Howard Rober (Mary Lou) whom she adored.  Dawn attended St. Clement’s School and graduated in Fashion Design from The Ryerson Institute of Technology in its first graduating class.

Dawn was an amazing woman who loved family gatherings with extended friends and relations. Sunday dinners at Nanton and Gough were epic because of her boundless nurturing energy. There was always room for more at the table – all were welcome. Camp Nana on Honeymoon Island, Lake of Bays, was a magical place for the family and grandkids to gather in the summer, forming close family bonds. To her many nieces, nephews, and many more she was their cherished “Auntie Dawn” or Dawn/nana/mom and held a special place in their hearts.

Her membership and very active volunteering support at the Heliconian Club, the Arts and Letters Club and even aquarobics classes at the YMCA were a source of great friendships and deep joy for Dawn. Her volunteer work with SickKids Foundation and her active support for so many charities was important to her. In her last years, she lamented missing this engagement and camaraderie. She was a talented artist and sculptor and her prowess at Bridge and particularly Scrabble were legendary. It wasn’t a proper game until she laid down a seven-letter word.

The family extends their deep gratitude to Belmont House, her home for the past five years, especially to its staff and personal support workers who made her final years and hours special.  The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life in April.  The family encourages memories or condolences to be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.  Donations made to Sick Kids Hospital in her honour. SickKidsFoundation.com/donate would be greatly appreciated.

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