Kathleen "Kitty" Marie Cunningham Potkai,of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania and Fountain Hills, Arizona, passed away near her winter home in Fountains Hill on May 16, 2017.  She was 72 years old.  Kitty was born in Steubenville, Ohio and spent her early childhood in Cleveland and then later in Whittier, California, before moving as a teenager to Wayne, Pennsylvania.  Kitty was a resident of the Philadelphia area her entire adult life with an exception of a year in New Jersey and three years in Florida.  She enjoyed the last 11 winters in Arizona.

Kitty was predeceased in death by her parents, Alvin Merle and Mary Margaret (Mayhew) Cunningham.  Kitty is survived by her husband and the love of her life of 45 years, John.  She is also survived by her beloved sisters, Merleen Macdonald (Al) of Pennsylvania and Florida, Jo Ann Johnson (Russell) of Pennsylvania and Dee Laverty of New Jersey; her sister in law, Susan Boenau (Terry) of Virginia; her only niece, Lauren Boenau; her eight nephews, Jeffrey and Matt Macdonald, Zach, Austin and Harry Laverty, Adam and Kevin Johnson and Brian Boenau.  Kitty is also survived by 8 great nieces and nephews.

Kitty graduated from Bucknell University in 1967 as an Asian History major with a minor in Japanese language.  Her studies inspired and influenced much of her life-balance, order, attention to detail and more..  She held various risk management positions at Glaxo Smith Kline, American Stores and retired in 2003 as VP of Risk Management from Aramark in Philadelphia.

During her career and retirement years, Kitty remained concerned about the wellbeing of less fortunate individuals, volunteering her time and talents to support various non profit organizations.

Kitty retired to pursue her interests in travel, watercolor painting, reading, gardening and spending time with her beloved husband.  Family and social events always demanded Kitty's special attention.  She and John hosted many family and friends gatherings, introducing her nephews and niece to fine dining and a variety of gourmet foods.  Kitty never missed an opportunity to celebrate special occasions and always sent a card to acknowledge those milestones.  She enjoyed spending time with family and friends who in turn were all incredibly supportive of Kitty during her illness.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to Safe Harbor of West Chester, 20 N. Matlock Street, West Chester, PA 19380 -or- Good Works, Inc., 544 Lincoln Highway, Coatesville, PA 19320, would be appreciated.  Both of these organizations were ones that Kitty volunteered for and supported.

Per her wishes, interment in Longwood Cemetery will be private by her family.

John would like to invite former colleagues and friends to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, August 19, 2017 from 12:00PM until 3:00PM at their home, 994 Baneswood Drive, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.  Please RSVP to Kitty's sister, Merleen Macdonald at merleenm@gmail.com by August 15th.

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