Harriet Potter DeFranco

Harriet Potter DeFranco passed away peacefully on March 1, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Born on June 13, 1928, in Lake Placid, NY, she was the daughter of Harry O. Potter and Florence Chadwick Potter. Harriet graduated from Lake Placid High School in 1946 and Russell Sage College in 1950.

She started her teaching career in Watertown, NY, where she met her future husband, Sam DeFranco. Relocating to Malone, NY in 1957, Harriet earned her master’s degree from SUNY Plattsburgh and went on to teach fourth grade for the remainder of her career, both at Hawkins School and G. B. Davis Elementary. Retiring in 1983, she and Sam enjoyed a long retirement, spending winters in Florida and summers in Lake Placid.

Harriet and Sam were married over 60 years, until his death in 2014. She is survived by her three daughters; Catherine of Florida, Rosanne (George) Cordelli, Florida, Julie (Jim) Connors, Lake Placid, granddaughters Jennifer (Joseph) Forsha, Apollo Beach, FL, Amy Cordelli (Craig Hotaling) Cocoa, Fl, and Leigh Anne (Travis) Nevins, Holderness NH, grandson James Connors, NYC, and great-grandchildren Abigail Forsha and Devlin Hotaling. A third great-grandchild is due this summer. In addition to her husband, Harriet was predeceased by her parents, and brother Harry O. Potter, Jr.

Anyone that knew Harriet, will always remember the smile she had on her face and the infectious laugh that touched the lives of many. She was actively involved in the Malone community, holding offices with the Malone Federation of Teachers, Alice Hyde Hospital Women’s Auxiliary, Malone Golf Club, and Malone College Club.

She and Sam both enjoyed golf, duplicate bridge, gardening and spending time with family and friends.

Services will be private and held at the discretion of the family. Interment will be at the North Elba Cemetery, Lake Placid, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tidewell House Hospice, Sarasota Fl, High Peaks Hospice Hudson, NY, Lake Placid Sinfonietta or a charitable foundation of your choice.