Shirley Potter

Shirley Potter, age 89, passed away peacefully on April 6th in Boise, Idaho. She leaves behind a legacy of creativity, laughter, and deep, wholehearted connection.

Shirley was a talented and prolific artist—painter, sculptor (wood, bronze, clay, and just about any material she felt like working with), and potter. Her final artistic passion was clay sculpture and pottery, including raku. She created and taught in her home studio and had her work displayed and sold in California and Idaho, including Brown’s Gallery in Boise and several California galleries, where she also worked part-time.

Laurels were never rested on by Shirley—she was a consummate learner. Always curious, always growing, she welcomed new challenges and ideas with open hands and an open mind.

Shirley was born in California, to her mother Carol and father Bob. She spent her early adult years living and working in San Francisco during the heyday of art and music. She told fantastic stories about seeing Dave Brubeck and other legendary jazz musicians perform in small clubs before they were famous—sometimes even singing along with them. She loved music, mostly jazz from the late ’50s and classical, and often had something playing softly in the background.

Shirley later moved with her family to Meridian, Idaho, then spent 20 years in McCall, Idaho, where she worked, made art, and served on the local planning and zoning committee. Eventually, she returned to Boise and built a pottery studio where she continued to create and teach, pouring her time and spirit into every piece she made.

To Shirley, art wasn’t just something she did—it was how she moved through the world. Her hands were rarely still, and her mind never stopped exploring. She was always making something beautiful, whether it was in clay, conversation, or connection.

Shirley was easy to make laugh—not necessarily because someone was that funny or clever, but because she wanted to laugh. She joked that she didn’t really like that many people, but somehow, she made friends incredibly fast. She was curious, well-read, and had something interesting to say about everything. She was one of the smartest people in every room she entered.

Shirley gave advice often—usually very good advice, and sometimes even wanted.(Note from Robin: Badum bum TSSSS.) She had strong opinions, but she was also a great listener and could genuinely see other sides of a conversation, even if she still thought she was right in the end.

She really took her time eating a meal, savoring every bite. But even more important to her than the food was the conversation. She showed up fully in every moment.

Shirley was a great daughter. She helped care for her mom, Carol, and they lived together as roommates for many years before Carol passed. Their bond was strong, and Shirley was deeply devoted to her. She was also a good mom, mother-in-law, grandma, and friend. She loved deeply and fiercely and wasn’t afraid to show it.

Shirley enjoyed her biannual visits from her beloved eldest daughter Debbie, which always led to a trip to their favorite restaurant for decades, The Wok Inn Noodle, where they always saw the owner and cook, Chan. Their many phone conversations in between visits were cherished just as much—filled with laughter, stories, and catching up on life. She also treasured talking with her daughter Cindy and son-in-law Sean, both of whom she loved dearly. They came up to visit as often as possible, and their time together meant the world to her.

Her daughter Robin will miss their weekly get-togethers on Thursdays, often starting with dinner before work with son-in-law Greg, then a rousing game of Bananagrams—followed by a movie or a show with popcorn. She will also miss all the time throughout the week spent talking about things and dreaming about the future. There were still lots of plans on the horizon. (note from Robin: my mom LOVED Greg so, so much.) 

We will miss Shirley saying grace at the beginning of each Thanksgiving and Christmas. She always had a thoughtful list of things to be grateful for—small things, big things, and everything in between.

Shirley was able to live her final years in her own home, mainly remaining mostly self-sufficient until the last month of her life—a true reflection of her strength, independence, and spirit. Although we are glad she is out of the pain of the world and hopefully in a happier place with peace, she will be profoundly missed.

Shirley is survived by her daughter Robin Belzeski (affectionately nicknamed “Bink”), her son-in-law Greg Belzeski, and her grandchildren Aaron and Philip.

Also surviving Shirley are her daughters-by-marriage who were truly her family: Debbie Collister and Cindy Convery. She was blessed with an instant family whom she loved fiercely.

Shirley’s grandchildren by Debbie are her son Christopher and daughter Stacey, and Stacey’s children Junior and Deannalee, and Junior’s son Reid.

Shirley’s grandchildren by Cindy are daughters Heather and Erin.

Shirley will also be missed by her many dear friends and family members, including her nieces and nephews, and the children and grandchildren of her beloved sisters, Joyce (deceased) and Bobbie, who reside in California.

A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held this Saturday in Boise, for close family and friends, by invitation. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Idaho Food Bank.