When I was a teenager, my mother frequently said I always had to get the last word. I guess she was right. I was born and raised in Stamford, Ct. My parents were Margaret and Andrew Pottgen. I graduated from high school and went on to graduate from nursing school. In my early 20s I worked as an RN in the ICU at St. Joseph’s Hospital.  It showed me how fast someone’s life could change. It made me appreciate my blessings. During my senior year in high school, I met Tom, I had a major crush on him. A year after high school we started dating and eventually married in 1975. We moved to Overland Park in 1986. I have made many wonderful friends here. After moving to Overland Park, I worked at Shawnee Mission Medical Center for 27 years and then retired. Even after being retired for eight years, I still maintain a close friendship with many of the great people I worked with. I have always had a special love for dogs especially golden retrievers. Through the years we have had 6 goldens. Frequently, I could be seen walking our dog through the neighborhood. I have volunteered at Johnson County Health Partnership, Safe Home, Johnson County Christmas Bureau, Meals on Wheels, Pets for Life, and Animal Haven. One of my life’s biggest joys was travelling. I always felt very fortunate that Tom and I were able to travel. We visited many places in the U.S. But my greatest joy was travelling around Europe. Sometime just getting a Eurail Pass and heading off to Europe for a month with no set itinerary was great fun for me. The excitement of not knowing where we would go next. I would like to acknowledge Ester and Pat, two friends I have known since the 7th grade, Hilka and Gail two friends from my days in the ICU and Marianne, a faithful friend for over 40 years. All have been very supportive during my long illness. We have also made wonderful friends here in Overland Park. We went to dinner together, took our annual trips to Chicago at Christmas time and summers in Vail. We have also developed many special friendships right in our neighborhood. All these wonderful people have been very supportive through my illness. Although I cannot mention everyone, I do want to especially say thank you to Mari and Krisy. During my sixties I became friends with Lamont McEntyre. His ordeal in life makes all others pale in comparison. I’m grateful to have gotten to know him. I would be terribly remiss if I didn’t mention Dr. Fred Katz. He was my rock and sounding board from the first moment they found the cancer in my sinus. I am very thankful for the love and support from my wonderful husband and friends. I want to extend a very special thank you to Susan Harris who stood with me through the sunny days and rainy days. I was never alone knowing she was there. Our special friendship and love for one another has endured for over 35 years. The biggest thank you is to my husband Tom. He has been a loving wonderful husband. Though the years as I have battled this illness, he has always been there for me. I am survived by my husband Tom, my brother Paul his wife Judy, sisters in law Anita and Sherry, nieces Andrea, Erin, Tricia, Kristi and Tami, along with 3 great nephews and 2 great nieces, and many wonderful friends. In lieu of flowers to acknowledge a life well lived, please make a donation to Harvesters KC or Miracle of Innocence. Services will be held at Cure of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Rd., Leawood, KS on Tuesday September 20, 2022. Visitation at the church beginning at 10:00 AM followed by a Catholic service at 11:00 AM.