Mary Jo Pottenger, know to most as MJP, or to me, Grams, died September 20th, 2008 at the age of 75. She had suffered for the past year from terminal cancer. When my grandma found out that treatment was no longer a viable option, she decided it was time for her to rejoin her Father in Heaven. I had the opportunity to spend her last week with her in Pasco, WA. That experience has been one of the most important in my life, and I will never forget that.
My grandmother was an amazing woman, and I will miss her very much. I do know,
however, that she is in a much better place and finally free of pain, which makes me very happy that she was able to let go. I am going to now tell you about what an amazing woman she truly was, because I find it much better to celebrate her life, than to dwell on her death.Mary Jo was born July 12, 1933 to Alvin and Josephine Nelson. She also had one brother, Charles, who was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at a young age and died a few years ago. She was married to my grandfather
Ronald Pottenger in 1954. They went on to have four children Doug, my mom Sue, Jenny, and Robert (Bob). She taught Junior High and High School in Homedale, ID for 36 years. She was so dedicated to her friends, family, and students that literally hundreds attended her funeral.
Since her death I have been scanning thousands of pictures of her throughout her life. I am absolutely stunned at the amazing things she has done and the places she has been. I know that I will forever remember how wonderful my grandma was. It makes me sad that my kids won't be able to meet her, but I know that she is probably hanging out with them right now, so I'm not too worried about it! I know that she has influenced and helped hundreds if not thousands of people to become better then before they met her. I can only hope to be able to help so many people in my own life. She has left an amazing legacy behind her. I am so grateful to be a part of it as her granddaughter.
