Anita Potter Thorp passed away peacefully on 8 June 2010 with her family at her side.
Anita was born 16 December 1916 in Norwich, CT, the daughter of William Lloyd Potter and Lillian Estelle Tufts Potter. She married William Harold Thorp on 24 February 1940, enjoying a long and prosperous 70 years of marriage.
At the time of her mother's untimely death, Anita was sent to live with the Shaker community at the Shaker Village in Hancock, Massachusetts. She spent the next four years in the care of the Shakers, under the supervision and loving attention of her Shaker caretaker and later, stepmother Anna Deltcheff. Anita prospered there, learning the skills and values that characterized the rest of her life. She was an accomplished knitter, making beautiful sweaters for her family and friends. She was a self taught and accomplished pianist, often playing for her own enjoyment and that of her family. She taught fine jewelry-making to many students in her home. Anita was an accomplished genealogist, being active, with her husband, in the tracing and documenting of her family history as well as that of many other acquaintances establishing their own roots. She was an active member of the Society of Mayflower Descendants, and traced her ancestry back to a direct relationship to John Mason, the colonial military commander. Although she admitted a fear that the boat might capsize, she enthusiastically logged countless numbers of hours sailing Long Island Sound with her family, in stormy and fair weather alike.
A devoted mother to her three children, she found the time to be an active scout leader, band parent, active PTA participant, cookie baker, chauffeur, and confidante.
In her professional life, Anita worked as a typist, Welcome Wagon representative, and executive secretary for the Power Car Company. She was well known as the secretary to the guidance councilor at Robert E. Fitch High School for many years, having a positive influence on many of the students as they set up plans for their futures.
Anita is survived by her husband, William, and her three children; Barry and wife Stephanie, Brian and wife Joan, and Juliana Ratliff. She leaves 9 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren to carry on her memory and fine example. She was predeceased by her parents and stepmother; a half-brother Kenneth Skinner; a son-in-law, James R. Ratliff and a grandchild James William Ratliff.
Her family will greet relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic on Sunday from 3-5pm. A Memorial Service will be conducted at the Noank Baptist Church at a date to be announced. Private burial will be at Elm Grove Cemetery. Donations in her memory may be made to the CT Library for the Blind, 198 West Street, Rocky Hill CT 06067.
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