Madeline Grace Potts

Madeline Grace Egleston Potts born April 11, 2000 at 9:47 am at Women and Infants Hospital in Providence RI, died on the soccer field that she so loved on September 23, 2017 during the second half of her last game due to an unexpected brain abnormality, and again in our arms at Hasbro Children’s Hospital on September 24, 2017 at 12:21 am, surrounded by the love of both of her parents, while many in the community so patiently waited downstairs with prayers of love and hope. She is survived by her father Daniel John Potts, her mother Stephanie Ann Egleston Potts and her younger sister Julia Rose Egleston Potts, her grandparents John and Nancy Potts, Donald and Patricia Egleston, and an innumerable number of very special Aunts, Uncles, cousins, family, friends and teammates. Maddie was passionate about so many things, but mostly about helping empower others to be their personal best, in a way that made you realize she wasn’t even trying to do so. It was never about Maddie, always about those around her. She loved her sister who was her very best friend, and we would often laugh that Julia was the very best gift we could have given her. Most of the time, she would agree. Not only was Maddie captain of and passionate about soccer, she was equally passionate about going into her second year as Captain of the Chariho Lacrosse team. She grew to love indoor track, only starting it as she wanted to keep in shape between her other dedicated sports seasons. She loved and was gifted in art and photography. She enjoyed her free time jumping in the waves at the beach, skiing with her closest friends who she called sisters, Elizabeth and Caroline Peters and Lauryn Rose Hall, and just relaxing and spending time with her family on movie nights and cuddling with her pups, Cooper and Remington, on her favorite chair. She always, always had a smile. Though she was cut short in her college search, she loved our multiple visits to Bridgewater State University and Roger Williams University, and had hopes to play Division III soccer. Though her coaches thought she could likely succeed at a “Higher Level”, she was specific in saying “I don’t want to just train with a college soccer team, I want to be a starting player.” We are certain she would have succeeded, as she had every time before. Her recent and ever growing interest was Forensic Science and she had considered studying this in college. It would be another way to give back to people in helping solve their most terrifying mysteries. Also, it was the only class she ever said “I LOVE it!” when asked. We often joked that she was ultimately going to major in Soccer and minor in Lacrosse as she had many local and state recognitions of both. A special thank you to her coach, Ms. Brittney Godbout, for seeing from day one, the beauty and drive, both inside and out, of such a special angel. Many charities are being planned; currently donations can be made to Chariho Sports Boosters, Attn: Mr. Michael Shiels, Athletic Director, Chariho High School, 455 A Switch Road, Wood River Junction, RI 02894. Thank you for your continued love and prayers of support. #forever11
Maddie’s family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday, September 28, 2017 from 12 to 8pm at the Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home, 121 Main St. Westerly, RI. A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 29, 2017 at 1pm at the Dunn’s Corners Community Church Presbyterian, 221 Post Rd. Rt.1 Westerly, RI. For online condolences, please visit www.buckler-johnston.com.

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