Obituary of Carolyn Potter Flathers

Carolyn Potter Flathers, 68, of Bainbridge, was answered the call of her Lord on March 8, 2012 in her winter home in Punta Gorda, Florida. She was born in Oneonta, NY on May 25, 1943, the youngest daughter of the late Pierce and Virginia Bard Potter. In addition to her parents, Carolyn was predeceased by her two sisters, Joan Safford and Nancy Vedder, a brother-in-law, John Vedder, and a nephew, Peter Vedder. A graduate of Oneonta High School and SUNY Cortland, Carolyn came to Bainbridge for a physical education teaching position in the early 1970's, and continued to serve the district until her retirement in 1998. Her passion was working with elementary children. Carolyn enjoyed attending all school events, especially her children's and grandchildren's concerts and sporting events. Her love of sports continued in to her recreational time after retirement, as she was able to attend several spring training baseball events with friends and family. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Bainbridge, the Lost Balls Golf League in Guilford, and participated in the Wednesday Night Pitch League in Bainbridge. Traveling was one of her favorite pastimes. She traveled to Nova Scotia, Alaska, and a cross county trip that took her to California for the Tournament of Roses Parade. She enjoyed wintering in Florida as a retiree with her friend Mary Lou. An avid sports fan and participant, Carolyn could be found racing canoes, playing softball or cheering from the stands at a ladies NCAA basketball tournament. She enjoyed traveling with friends from the PP Inn, and enjoyed taking her grandchildren on many trips. In recent years she was a volunteer with the Mended Hearts program at Wilson Hospital. Her life was dedicated to her family and friends. She was a very caring, warm-hearted person. More than just a wonderful mother, she was a fun loving and loyal friend. Family, not limited to her children and grandchildren, but including her loving nieces and nephews, were always the center of Carolyn's life. Surviving Carolyn are her children, Susan and Gary Darling of Bainbridge, Stephanie and Duane Canfield of Freeville, grandchildren Samantha and Joseph Buttice, Russell Darling, Evan and Bradley Canfield, as well as one great-grandson, Parker Buttice. She also leaves behind her very close friend Mary Lou Benedict, nieces Carolyn Johnson and Pamela Vedder-Miller, and nephews Jeffery, Richard, and Steven Safford. Her two beloved pets, Maggie and Poppy will especially miss her. Calling hours will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Bainbridge at 12:30 pm on April 7, with a celebration of Carolyn's life to follow at 2:00. Pastor Gary Kubitz will officiate. Burial will be private at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Carolyn's name to the BGA Dollars for Scholars, Chenango County SPCA, or to the charity of your choice.