Standish, ME - Merlene Jeannette Pottle, age 81.
On December 12th, 2024, Merlene Pottle passed peacefully surrounded by the comfort and love of her family. Merlene was born in Portland, Maine on February 8, 1943, to parents Kathleen J. Reo and Merle W. Strout. She attended Portland High School but dutifully stepped out of attendance to support her mother in the care of her two disabled younger sisters. Through dedication Merlene received her GED, CNA and Physical Therapy licenses. For several years she put those skills into practice at Mercy Hospital before accepting a position at a nursing home in Westbrook, Maine.
Merlene began supplementing her income by selling Avon. With her social nature and incredible skillset, she was crowned a remarkably successful “Avon Lady”. This enabled her to move away from her medical career and become a prosperous district manager for Avon. Merlene’s distinguished success as district manager inspired her and James (Jimmy) Pottle, late Husband, to go into business for themselves. Together they became managing partners with Ridlon’s Auto Service in Portland. Eventually they sold their portion of Ridlon’s and opened their own business in Limington, Maine.
Merlene and Jimmy launched Pottles Alignment & Service Center with unparalleled perseverance. This was the heart and pride of the family that encouraged everyone around them to reach for the stars. After many joyful and devoted years of assisting Jimmy with the auto business, Merlene received an opportunity to become a “lunch lady” within the Bonny Eagle school system where she retired after 16 years. Merlene graciously embraced retirement as a highly engaged patron of the Standish Congregational Church.
Her greatest passion was spending time with her family, being anointed as Nana and then further elevated to the world’s loveliest Great-Nana. Merlene relished outdoor activities such as camping, snowmobiling, boating, and four-wheeling. She had a passion for playing board games, card games, and dominos with Jimmy and their many friends. Another of Merlene's favorite enjoyment was caring for her visiting cardinals and hummingbirds. With pride a service announcement will follow for a Spring celebration of life so the melody of the birds and the sweet smell of the flowers in bloom can embrace us all with her love.
Merlene is predeceased by her sisters Jeanne and Pamela Strout, her daughter Michelle Lee Chase, and the love of her life and best friend, James Pottle. She is survived by: a step-daughter Cindy Roberts and her husband Michael of Limington; five children: David Woodbury and his wife Debbie of Standish, Bonnie Crowe and her husband Kevin of Wakefield, NH, James Woodbury and his wife Rosa of Gorham, Brent Pottle and his wife Heather of Wilton, and Renay Pottle of Standish, 18 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; two nephews: Barry and Byron Flood and her dog Millie, who brought both her and Jimmy years love and joy.
Online condolence messages can be submitted at the Poitras Funeral Homes website, www.mainefuneral.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to Poitras Funeral Homes, www.mainefuneral.com