Janet Maney Potter passed away on May 17, 2026 after a brief illness. She was born on October 1, 1931 in Schenectady, New York to Wallace L. Maney and Amy Kelso Maney. Janet graduated from the University of Rochester with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. After college she worked for Liberty Mutual in Boston, MA. She later moved to Wilmington and worked for the Dupont company.
Janet married Richard Potter in 1961 and went on to raise three children, Thomas, Robert and John. Despite the demands of homemaking and child-rearing, Janet was a dedicated volunteer for Wilmington and New Castle County public schools. She served in many roles, eventually becoming accredited in the Orton-Gillingham Approach for teaching children with dyslexia.
Janet and Richard enjoyed traveling and navigated many family vacations, including two cross-country trips. After Richard’s retirement, they traveled widely in their Sportsmobile van, making many friends along the way at Sportsmobile gatherings. They also visited many US and international destinations with Exploritas (Road Scholar).
Janet was an avid tennis player, and played well into her 80’s. She also loved gardening, filling the family’s yard with flowers, shrubs and trees. She and Richard enjoyed theater, and were patrons of the Wilmington Drama League and the REP Theater at the University of Delaware.
Janet maintained a large and cherished circle of friends throughout her life - from high school to college, from bridge games to tennis, from volunteering to neighborhood walks - she made friends wherever she went.
Above all, Janet loved her family, especially her role as grandmother - affectionately known as Daga. Her presence will be missed by all who knew her.
Janet is survived by her children, Thomas (Becky), Robert (Yolanda) and John (Eileen). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Andrew, Zachary (Sabrina), Lily and Shawn (Cassie).
Memorial service arrangements are pending. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Delaware Center for Horticulture.
