- Born on: December 28, 1963
- Departed on: August 20, 2026
- Resided in: Cedar Rapids, IA
Christine “Chris” Potter
Christine “Chris” Potter, 62, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2026.
She is survived by her parents, David and Janet Potter; sisters, Cathi Thornburg and Sara (Patrick Ingram) Potter; nieces and nephews, Nate Thornburg, Lauren Porter, Samantha Hancox and Zachary Ingram; great-nieces and nephews, Devin, Logan, Rylie, Noah, Elijah, Isaiah and Emma. She will also be deeply missed by her aunts and uncles, especially Steve and Cathy Phillips, and her very best friend, Kirsten Wolfe.
Chris grew up in Marion, Iowa. She graduated from Coe College and went on to receive her doctorate from the University of Iowa. Her love of learning was matched only by her love of sharing that knowledge with others. A brilliant professor and devoted teacher, she had a true passion for her students and took great pride in helping them learn and grow. Those who knew her well also knew that she never missed an opportunity to correct everyone’s grammar along the way.
Life in Massachusetts brought many special memories, including one of her favorite pastimes: whale watching. Adventures to Gooseberry Island with her best friend, Kirsten, were treasured moments that brought her great joy and laughter.
Beyond her academic accomplishments, Chris had a warmth and kindness that made an unforgettable impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her smile could light up any room she entered, and her presence seemed to carry a sense of peace with it. She had a remarkable compassion for others, and that compassion never wavered.
Music was another great love throughout her life. A wonderful pianist, she brought people together through the songs she played. At Christmas, family gatherings were made even more special as everyone gathered around to listen to her play their favorite Christmas songs. Those moments will remain among the family’s most cherished memories.
Her love extended to four-legged family members as well. Chris adored cats and considered them her fur babies, giving them the same devotion and tenderness she showed to the people she loved. At one point, she decided she would only adopt older cats, wanting to give them the happiest and most loving final years possible. It was a reflection of the compassion that came so naturally to her.
Above all, Chris loved her family, her friends, her students and her beloved cat babies with a depth that cannot be measured. She gave so much of herself to the people and animals she cared for, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, knowledge, laughter and love.
To have Chris as a part of your life was a true blessing. Her absence will be felt deeply by so many, but the memories she created, the lives she touched and the love she gave will remain forever.
Services will be held September 5th at 11am at Peace Church, 6600 C Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402.
She is survived by her parents, David and Janet Potter; sisters, Cathi Thornburg and Sara (Patrick Ingram) Potter; nieces and nephews, Nate Thornburg, Lauren Porter, Samantha Hancox and Zachary Ingram; great-nieces and nephews, Devin, Logan, Rylie, Noah, Elijah, Isaiah and Emma. She will also be deeply missed by her aunts and uncles, especially Steve and Cathy Phillips, and her very best friend, Kirsten Wolfe.
Chris grew up in Marion, Iowa. She graduated from Coe College and went on to receive her doctorate from the University of Iowa. Her love of learning was matched only by her love of sharing that knowledge with others. A brilliant professor and devoted teacher, she had a true passion for her students and took great pride in helping them learn and grow. Those who knew her well also knew that she never missed an opportunity to correct everyone’s grammar along the way.
Life in Massachusetts brought many special memories, including one of her favorite pastimes: whale watching. Adventures to Gooseberry Island with her best friend, Kirsten, were treasured moments that brought her great joy and laughter.
Beyond her academic accomplishments, Chris had a warmth and kindness that made an unforgettable impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her smile could light up any room she entered, and her presence seemed to carry a sense of peace with it. She had a remarkable compassion for others, and that compassion never wavered.
Music was another great love throughout her life. A wonderful pianist, she brought people together through the songs she played. At Christmas, family gatherings were made even more special as everyone gathered around to listen to her play their favorite Christmas songs. Those moments will remain among the family’s most cherished memories.
Her love extended to four-legged family members as well. Chris adored cats and considered them her fur babies, giving them the same devotion and tenderness she showed to the people she loved. At one point, she decided she would only adopt older cats, wanting to give them the happiest and most loving final years possible. It was a reflection of the compassion that came so naturally to her.
Above all, Chris loved her family, her friends, her students and her beloved cat babies with a depth that cannot be measured. She gave so much of herself to the people and animals she cared for, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, knowledge, laughter and love.
To have Chris as a part of your life was a true blessing. Her absence will be felt deeply by so many, but the memories she created, the lives she touched and the love she gave will remain forever.
Services will be held September 5th at 11am at Peace Church, 6600 C Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402.
