Gifts & Memorial Donations
Williamsburg—Monica Brzezinski Potkay, 60, died on April 6 in Hospice care, surrounded by family and caring nurses. The cause of her death was bile duct cancer.
Monica was born in Chicago on May 22, 1957, and was proud to have grown up in the South Side neighborhood known as “Back of the Yards.” She received her BA and MA degrees from Loyola University, Chicago, and a PhD in medieval literature from the University of Virginia. Monica taught for three decades in the English Department at the College of William & Mary, where she also served in her last years as Assistant Dean of Academic Advising and Undergraduate Education. She co-wrote with her husband and colleague Adam Potkay a popular series of recorded lectures on the Bible and literature. Monica was a devout member of Saint Olaf’s Catholic Church. She enjoyed European travel, ancient and modern languages, Polish-American traditions and Italian cuisine, opera and AM radio, films and mystery novels, crossword puzzles, and her brisk daily walk. She greatly loved and was loved greatly by her family, friends, colleagues and neighbors, many of whom offered invaluable support during her difficult final months.
Monica is survived by her husband Adam; their son, Aaron; her brother, Tim Brzezinski, sister-in-law Kim, niece Sarah and nephew Luke; mother-in-law, Barbara Potkay; and other relatives and friends.
Funeral Services will be held at St. Olaf’s Catholic Church on April 12th at 12:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hospice House and Support care of Williamsburg, the Massey Cancer Center, Saint Olaf Food Pantry, or a charity of your choice.
Visiting hours will be held on April 11th from 5:00 – 7:00 PM, at Bucktrout Funeral Home of Williamsburg.
Service
12:00 PM
St. Olaf Catholic Church - Directions
104 Norge Lane
Williamsburg, VA 23188
Visitation
5:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Bucktrout Funeral Home - Directions
4124 Ironbound Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188
757-229-3822
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