Mary Helen Potchen

Mary Helen Potchen of Saint Charles, MO, passed away at the age of 87 on Saturday, August 22, 2020. She was preceded in death by her parents, LD and Mary Goodrich; and four sisters, Pricilla Zeider, Barbara Purdy, Patricia Mellema, and Ruth Beesley.

Mary Helen is survived by her children, JoEllen (Eugene) Potchen-Webb, William David Potchen, Charles Anton (Renee) Potchen, and Anne Marie (Joseph) Lynch; her grandchildren, Gillian and Emily Potchen; her sisters, Carol (Russ) Timmer and Eloise Joy Klomp; and her many nieces and nephews (who knew her as “Aunt Helen”), cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Mary Helen earned her B.A. degree from Michigan State University and, later, earned her MA degree from Truman University. Mary Helen was an art teacher with Orchard Farm School District for twenty-eight years where she also taught humanities, drama, and speech. She taught at the St. Peters Cultural Arts Center and belonged to the Missouri State Teacher’s Association. Mary Helen took pride in her role as a teacher and in the many students she had the privilege to influence and inspire.

Mary Helen had a deep, creative passion and was a prolific, lifelong artist. She enjoyed the fellowship she found with the artistic communities she joined over the years, communities such as the St. Charles Artist’s Guild, Oakleaf Artist’s Guild, and the St. Louis Watercolor Society.

Mary Helen was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church, where she loved singing in the choir. She loved singing – she couldn’t not sing. She also loved ice cream. For fun, she loved to travel and make memories with her loved ones when they vacationed. She also maintained a beautiful garden, which was one of her works of art. There was a special place in Mary Helen’s heart for animals, especially her beloved pets who brought her so much joy. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Memorial contributions in Mary Helen’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

To view a live stream of Mary Helen's service, please reference the following link: http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/36558

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