Judy Canter Pottgen

Judy Canter Pottgen, 74, of Allison Park, Pennsylvania died on February 14, 2024 after a long and hard-fought battle with multiple sclerosis (MS) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Judy was born in Pittsburgh and grew up in Squirrel Hill with her family. She had an amazing relationship with her mom Evelyn and often referred to her mom as her best friend. Judy graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School in 1967. She was proud of her time at Point Park University as well.Judy married the love of her life, Paul, on July 30, 1977. They shared a beautiful life together and created many memories at their home in Allison Park, Pennsylvania as well as at their vacation homes on Kiawah Island, South Carolina. They also treasured all of their fun ski trips out west with their girls and their amazing time spent abroad. In Judy’s declining years, Paul was an unwavering source of strength and was the epitome of a compassionate, loving, and tireless caregiver to her. The love between the two of them was palpable. Judy’s three daughters, Tami, Andrea, and Erin were her world. She cherished being a mom and loved taking care of her girls and playing an important role in the lives of their friends. Judy and Paul also opened their homes to all and over the years had several of the girls’ friends living with them as well as several exchange students. Judy was a mom to all. Judy was a friend to everyone. To know her was truly to love her. She touched the lives of so many. After her breast cancer diagnosis in 1993, she became an advocate for the National Cancer Society and Susan G Koman organization. She traveled to local high schools and gave presentations to high school girls on the importance of self-breast exams. Judy took her advocacy to the federal level when she testified in a congressional subcommittee hearing on the essential nature of offering mammograms to women at the age of 40 instead of 50. Today, healthcare professionals suggest mammograms for all women when they turn 40 which has saved so many lives. Judy played an admirable part in that. Judy continued her advocacy following her MS diagnosis in 2005. She joined the MS society and began a local support group for those suffering with the disease. Judy’s kindness and strength were known to all and she was truly loved by all who knew her. Judy was brilliant in so many ways. She spent most of her mornings doing the crossword and was a true wiz. She also had the gift of persuasion. If AT&T was overcharging you, Judy was your gal. She had the uncanny ability to be kind, direct, and extremely persuasive. When she was done, AT&T would be paying you. Judy was the best mom, wife, friend, and fighter to the end of this life’s chapter and she will be missed more than words can ever express. However, she will continue forever in our hearts and minds, thoughts and deeds in the next chapter.Judy is preceded in death by her mom, Evelyn Hagel, her sister-in-law JoAnn Capporrizzo, and her beloved dog Buddy. Judy is survived by her loving husband Paul Andrew Pottgen, three daughters and son-in-laws, Tami Namey (Steve), Andrea Pottgen (Mike), and Erin Sigmund (Erik), her grandson Hunter Knell, her sister Linda Rose, and nephews Darryn Zawitz (Alyson), Chad Zawitz (John), and Scott Zawitz (Luis). She is also survived by all of those who saw her as a second mom and that list is a long one. Friends and family will be received at Bock Funeral Home for a visitation and celebration of life from 1pm-3pm on Sunday, February 18th. There will be a late luncheon at Judy’s daughter Erin’s house immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be sent to the MS Society.