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janet lee posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 25, 2021
I was the youngest of the Evans clan to be taught piano.
When Mrs.Pothier arrived for lessons it was like the door opened and a swirl of energy came with her.
Her arms laden with books and papers in every direction and always carrying a big bag!! Nothing could slow her down!
The hardest thing for me learning to play piano is that it meant sitting still. Mrs.Pothier knew this and her exuberance alone carried me along. She taught piano with her mind, body and soul!
The 2 families shared a special friendship and I am so sorry for the loss that you will all feel. Mrs. Pothier was a force for good and I am very fortunate she was part of my life. My deepest sympathy to all.
Janet Lee
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Cheryl Paterson posted a condolence
Saturday, May 22, 2021
I woke up this morning and for some reason I was thinking about your Mom. I "googled" her name and her obituary came up. I am very sorry for your loss. I have very fond memories of "Tess", as Sandy affectionately called her. Her laughter, curiosity and love of life touched me as a teenager and young adult. There was always a flurry of activity and laughter with your Mom.
I also have awesome memories of visiting Lunenberg with Sandy, hanging out with "Granny" and Tela, and Joe. Such an amazingly talented and caring family. I don't go to St. Catharines very often anymore however when I do Tess is always remembered. She gave so much to the community and many people have been positively influenced by her passion.
Jennifer, if you ever come to Dundas, Ontario I would love to go for a walk, a cup of tea, or a glass of wine.
My thoughts are with you all.
Cheryl Paterson
"Chickie"
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Ed Mah posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
To Hector & Louisa and the Pothier family. Our deepest condolences in the loss of mom. Hoping the joy in your hearts of knowing the tremendous contributions that your mom gave to so many students and her accomplishments in music may bring some relief in this difficult time. Take care and be safe. Hope to see you soon at home. - Ann & Ed Mah (colleague and friends to Hector & Louisa)
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Veronica Stockwell posted a condolence
Monday, May 17, 2021
Dear Hector, Jennifer and family of Mrs. Pothier,
Condolences on the loss of your beautiful mother - what a remarkable woman she was. She impacted the lives of many students, the community and left the world a brighter and better place to live in . Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Veronica Stockwell
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Cathy Kotyk posted a condolence
Monday, May 17, 2021
To the Pothier Family.....The entire Kotyk family would like to express our deepest and heartfelt condolences for the loss of your wonderful mother. Terry was loved by all those who knew her. Her joie de vivre and her beautiful smile brightened the day of students and adults alike. Terry's musical talent and her dedication to teaching gained the admiration and appreciation of many over the years. Our mothers were friends....both mothers to six children; both teachers; both positive forces in this world. My father loved your mom. In his last years at 493 Niagara, Terry invited him to play bridge once a week or so, with her lady friends. He would come home, equally happy whether he had the high score or the lowest. It made his life a little brighter. Thank you, Terry. God bless you all.
Peace be with you,
Cathy Kotyk and Siblings.
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Alastair Ferguson posted a condolence
Sunday, May 16, 2021
Condolences to the Pothier family. Alastair and Katie Ferguson.
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Patricia posted a condolence
Friday, May 14, 2021
I met Terry during the summer of 1982 when we were both taking an instrumental music course at The University of Toronto. We were both from St Catharines and we tended to travel together from class to class.
Terry was so vivacious and fun, that it made the time spent there fly by (it was a hot summer and there was no air conditioning, so that is saying something !) Her musicianship impressed me and her zest for life was contagious. How could you not laugh when spending time with Terry?
Over the years our paths crossed many times at musical events and later my daughter took voice and piano lessons from her and enjoyed it very much.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family
Sincerely
Patricia Welch
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Penny Blake posted a condolence
Thursday, May 13, 2021
To the Pothier family:
My sincerest condolences. She played for our congregation, the Unitarian Congregation of Niagara, and was appreciated not only for her playing and artistry but for her bright smile and outgoing personality. She was friends with many, and made time for us all. She will be missed, but will leave us many good memories.
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Johanna Hurd posted a condolence
Thursday, May 13, 2021
Hello family of Terry Pothier, I send my condolences to you on the loss of a mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
It has been many years since my path has crossed with Terry's but I have thought of her several times over the past 50+ years.
My maiden name was Johanna Favro and I grew up in St. Catharines in the house beside the old St. Alfred's Church on Carleton Street. Our property ran to the grounds of St. Alfred's School.
In Grade 8, the principal of St. Alfred's School told me that I would become the accompanist for the school choir at the church. And so began a long and varied extra career of playing for choirs, at school or at church. In my first years, Terry gave me the music for Schubert's Ave Maria and asked me to accompany her and I had never done anything like that. She patiently coached me on how I should play this music for her - spots to breathe, slow down, etc. I have never forgotten what she taught me and it has served me well as I've accompanied this selection many times but no one with Terry's voice. I am sure that what she taught me has served me well in playing for many other vocalists.
Terry may never have remembered me but probably she would have remembered my parents. My father, Attilio Favro, helped to found the Grantham Separate School Board way back when in cooperation with the first Pastor of St. Alfred's Church, and probably hired Terry to teach music in the schools. He passed too soon, in the 1990's. My mother truly admired Terry's voice and asked for an operatic voice to sing Ave Maria at her funeral in March, 2017. David Holler, who plays at St. Julia's Church, sang but I wish that Terry could have been there and maybe even sung.
Both of my parents were also buried from Darte's.
Music is a gift to be shared and Terry's small gesture to me proved to be one that lives on for a lifetime.
Sincerely,
Johanna Hurd
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Stuart Laughton posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Hello Pothier family,
I'm so sorry to hear of this news. I remember 'Terry' vividly from my time as a student at St. Catharines Collegiate. I was constantly in the band room and regardless of the hour she was in the 'vocal' room next door, utterly devoted to her students.
I remember Jennifer fondly as she was a beginning string player while I was a beginning trumpeter. (This is from youth orchestra days, and I remember her chiefly then because she was GORGEOUS! )
I am pleased to see she had so many descendants, grandchildren, etc. That - and her many grateful students - is her legacy. What a woman.
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William Brown uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
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Mrs. Theresa Pothier, my high school vocal/choral and private voice teacher throughout high school meant the world to me. I credit the success I achieved throughout my professional career as a music educator and choral conductor to Mrs. Pothier's guidance, mentorship, incredible music skills, and friendship. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family during this difficult time. I will always cherish the many wonderful memories I have of Mrs. P. She touched thousands of young people during her time as teacher at the St. Catharines Collegiate and her home studio.
I shared a story with her daughter Jennifer this afternoon on the phone, that Jennifer heard today for the very first time. She suggested I share it here on the tribute wall.
During a Grade 9 vocal music class, Mrs. Pothier had each of the boys sing a solo line in the piece "No Man Is An Island". When I finished, she said out loud "That was good." I looked to the person to both my right and left. She replied, "Bill, I was speaking to you". That moment would change my life forever.
A month or two later, Mrs. Pothier pulled me aside after class and said, "I think you should sing a solo in the music festival this spring, but that will require private voice lessons."
The arrangement was that she would pick me up Saturday mornings at 7:00 a.m. As soon as we arrived at her house, I had an hour piano lesson. Mrs. Pothier would then teach other private students for the remainder of the morning. Around 1:00 p.m. I would then have my hour voice lesson. While Mrs. Pothier taught from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. I would do house cleaning and gardening to pay for me lessons.
Following my voice lesson, she would fix us lunch, and while we ate, I would have a music theory and a music history lesson. For the remainder of the afternoon, we would both continue with cleaning and gardening.
At the end of the day, and what would occur weekly, she would hand me money saying my cleaning and gardening was worth more than my lessons. This continued throughout for all five years of high school. She provided me the opportunity for a wonderful career..
After 33 years of teaching vocal music, strings and band, as well as conducting choirs professionally, I retired from teaching music at Lawrence Park Collegiate, Toronto in June 2018. During my career, every student and adult singer I taught knew of Mrs. Pothier. I would often tell stories about her in class. She would often attend my concerts, and got to meet my singers on numerous occasions. She was with me my entire career. My choirs were her choirs, as her influence on me was transferred to my students.
She was one in a million, and I count myself so fortunate for having had her in my life for the past 45 years..
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Maggy Abela-Sabine posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Jennifer and family,
My deepest condolences on the loss of your Mom. May she Rest In Peace and may her memory be a perpetual blessing to you all.
Maggy Sabine
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Liseann Brugman posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Jennifer and the Pothier Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. May your wonderful memories sustain you and comfort you. I continue to keep you all in my prayers.
Liseann (Tryhorn) Brugman
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Paula Asadourian planted a tree in memory of Theresa Pothier
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
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With loving memories of "Theresa Pothier" Thank you for all you did for me during my School years, You will be in my heart forever Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Doreen Howe posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
My husband and I were so very saddened to hear about Mrs. Pothier’s passing. She was a regular part of our lives as we brought our daughter weekly to her for singing lessons and attended all the Kiwanis festivals and her yearly recital at the church. We will always remember Mrs. Pothier as a strong woman with a passion for music. Very grateful to have had the opportunity to have known her. Sending our condolences to the Pothier family. May she Rest In Peace. Sincerely, Kerry and Doreen Howe
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Susan Erskine-Fournier posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
Warmest condolences to the entire Pothier family. Your mom was a talented and compassionate woman who will always be remembered for her infectious smile. Love and hugs to all.
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Tania Howe planted a tree in memory of Theresa Pothier
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
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Sending my sincerest condolences. Mrs Pothier will always hold a special place in my heart. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Tania Howe posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
Mrs Pothier taught me voice lessons since I was 5 years old and I have studied with her for 25+years. She would always try to push me out my shell and make me sing for anyone who walked in the front door of her house so I would get more comfortable with an audience. I will never forget my years singing with her and Bonny Jean in the living room and am so grateful for everything she has taught me and the confidence she has instilled. I am so sorry for your loss and I am sure she is singing away in heaven with all of the angels. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Sincerely Tania Howe
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Nancy Simpson posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
So very sorry to hear about Mrs. P ..She was a very special lady and help to guide me along my path in high school. The Collegiate choir the trips we went on such wonderful memories....she was the kindest ,most giving person.May she Rest In Peace and May her family take solitude in knowing how many lives she touched !
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Paula Lynn Asadourian posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
Mrs.Pothier was my music teacher throughout my high school years-she encouraged me to sing at Kiwanis Festival under her guidance. She would train/practice with me at 7:30am in the morning, always there waiting for me. I have some wonderful awards for placing there many times thanks to her pushing me. She always was positive and helped build my confidence and gave good life advice. She will live in my heart forever. Rest in Peace Mrs. P, you have earned your wings. xo
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Chris Critelli posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
So many fond memories of your mom, from my high school days hanging out downstairs with Michael and the gang... to sing-alongs at the Riverbend and Olban Inn. Even the basketball games she came to...high school games watching Hector play and university games at Brock, when Sandy's team came to town to play us. She was an amazing lady and my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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Patricia LeFebour posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
Dear Jen,
I am so sorry to learn of your Mother's passing.
Your Mother was a true force of nature! I will remember the Christmastime sing-a-longs, all the wonderful dinners, the gig your Mother had at the restaurant in Niagara-on-the-Lake and the amazing stories. No one could drive a car like your Mother, not even you (sorry).
You and your family are in my thoughts.
Love,
Patty
Patricia LeFebour
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Shelley Passfield posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
My sincere condolences to all. I was one of your mother’s voice students. The lessons she taught me were put to good use as a soloist and elementary music teacher of 32 years.
Standing beside her piano is one of my fondest memories. I
am singing behind my notes. I remember her dragging Jennifer and Hector out of bed one time . You sat on the couch and were my audience. I was nervous and felt very awkward but I needed to sing to someone. One lesson day no one was home. I waited because that was unusual. After an hour I walked home. The next week I asked her what happened and she laughed. She had gone to Florida on a school trip and had forgotten to tell me my lesson was cancelled. Her music will live in in all those she taught.
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Alex. Macdonald lit a candle
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
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I have many fond memories of Mrs. Pothier. She was the mother of my friend Sandra, she was my teacher, she was music. I am saddened by her death. I am proud to have known her. Condolences to the family.
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Glenda Hillier posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
Condolences to the Pothier family. Your Mom was a force, an inspiration and a role model. Dave and I have many wonderful memories of your Mom and her warmth and sense of humour. She certainly left an amazing legacy. Love to all of you, Glenda and Dave.
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Laura McQuillan posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
To the Pothier Family
Your mother was such a GIFT to our community !!!!
A life well led.
Laura ( Stockwell ) McQuillan
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Jean-Paul Laferriere lit a candle
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
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My condolences to her family, she was a great inspiration to many and I am sure she will be greatly missed. Class of 86.
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Mary Jo Capps lit a candle
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
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I am so sorry to hear of Mrs Pothier's passing. She was the most inspirational music teacher ever, and is responsible for my pursuit of a career in music which saw me obtain an MA in Music at University of Toronto before moving to Australia where I have managed two of the major symphony orchestras (Perth WA and Sydney) before spending the past 20 years as CEO of the largest chamber music organisation in the world, Musica Viva Australia. All stemming from those early piano lessons from our much beloved Mrs Pothier. She sang at my wedding in 1977 and was always so full of joy. What a gift to have known her. My condolences to the family. big hugs, Mary Jo (Kerwin) Capps, Sydney Australia
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Nancy Iftody Ross lit a candle
Monday, May 10, 2021
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I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Mrs. Pothier. I was one of her music students for 4 years, was in choir, her musicals and attended many of her school trips. I was part of the choir that travelled to British Columbia to compete. She always went above and beyond for her students and her smile was infectious. What a legacy she leaves. Please accept my condolences.
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Harry Huizer posted a condolence
Monday, May 10, 2021
I taught at Collegiate with Terry. It was amazing how talented she was and the rapport she had with the students. She had such energy in producing the plays and organizing the choirs. Her successes were many because the students loved working with her.
It was a privilege working with her and I can still see her walking by my room towards her music room with a huge handful of papers which was most likely all music. I was always worried everything would fall but it never happened. Terry was an outstanding person and teacher!
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The family of Theresa Marie Veronica Pothier uploaded a photo
Monday, May 10, 2021
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The family of Theresa Marie Veronica Pothier uploaded a photo
Monday, May 10, 2021
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