Helen Groehl Potenza, 91, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2016 at Genesis Health Care in Milford. She was the wife of the late Joseph H. Potenza, former Medway selectman, who passed away in 1985.
Born in Medway on April 16, 1924, the daughter of the late Otto W. and Anna (Kippennhan) Groehl and sister of the late Fred Groehl, Mrs. Potenza was a lifelong resident of Medway. She graduated from Medway High School, Class of 1942, where she was a star basketball player and cheerleader.
Helen enjoyed being a homemaker to her four children and beloved husband. She thrived on the company of family and friends and was kind, caring and compassionate to all who knew her. Her hospitality was renowned.
Helen loved to travel and many of her adventures took her as far away as Europe, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Aruba and many Caribbean islands. Family trips to Cape Cod and Massachusetts beaches were cherished times.
Genesis Health Care was Helen’s home since 2013. There she enjoyed visits with her sister-in-law Veronica Groehl, 97, whether playing Bingo or enjoying musical entertainment together.
Helen is survived by her children: James R. Potenza and his wife Sharon of Boston, John E. Potenza and his wife Gloria of Medway, Donna H. Dahl and her husband David of Meredith, NH and the late Joseph H. Potenza, Jr. and his wife Diana of Hopkinton.
Helen is also survived by her seven grandchildren: Joseph H Potenza III of CT, Jennifer Potenza of NY, Michael and Matthew Potenza of Hopkinton, Julian Potenza of NH, Kristy Dahl Bernier of NH and Andrew J. Dahl of NY, nine great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Helen’s life will take place on her birthday, Saturday, April 16 at the Ginley Crowley Funeral Home, 3 Barber Street in Medway (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com) with calling hours from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Her funeral Mass will follow at St. Joseph Church, 151 Village St. in Medway at Noon.
Burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery in Medway.