Concord , NH – Hildegard Riedi Potter of Concord, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, at her son Tony’s home in San Diego, California, following complications from hip surgery and a subsequent ischemic stroke.
Hildegard was born on May 31, 1933, in Unterschlatt-Paradies, Switzerland, the daughter of Johann Joseph Riedi and Hedwig Matter Riedi. She spent her early years in Zurich, where she developed her lifelong love of learning, children, music, and the natural beauty of her homeland. As a young girl, she was chosen to play the character of Rosemarie on a weekly drama broadcast by Zurich’s SRF Radio 1. She later studied music theory at the Conservatory of Music in Zurich and remained an avid and joyful piano player throughout her life.
In 1954 she met her beloved husband, William Potter, and soon after immigrated to the United States to begin their life together. Their first home was in Acworth, New Hampshire, where Hildegard played the organ for the local church. They were longtime residents of Charlestown, New Hampshire, before settling in Concord in 1979.
A gifted early childhood educator, Hildegard owned and operated the Alpine Nursery School in Charlestown for many years and cherished her students and their families. After moving to Concord, she re-opened the school and later continued her work in education at Washington Street and Penacook Elementary Schools. Hildegard remained dedicated to supporting young learners well into her 80s-first as a staff member and later as a volunteer-bringing warmth, patience, and encouragement to every child she met. She was also fondly remembered for the colorful jewelry and brooches she wore to delight the children, and for the vibrant flower gardens and window boxes she tended at her Pine Street home.
Hildegard will be remembered for her gentle spirit, resilience, generosity, and the joy she found in even the simplest moments. She cherished time spent with friends and family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she maintained close ties with relatives in Switzerland. Her home was always open, welcoming, and filled with kindness.
She is survived by her loving sons, Tony Potter of San Diego, California, and Thomas Potter (Cheryl) of Concord, New Hampshire; and by her daughter-in-law, Janis Potter O’Shanecy of Forest Grove, Oregon. She is also survived by her brother, Heinz Riedi (Ursula) of Évian-les-Bains, France. Hildegard leaves behind four grandchildren whom she adored-Nicholas Potter (Pauline), Caitlin Potter (John), Christopher Potter, and Sarah Johnson (Brandon)-along with five great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews in both the United States and Switzerland.
She was predeceased by her husband, William Potter; her parents; her beloved son, Dan; and her siblings Hans, Hedla, and Hannelore.
Per her wishes, there will be no formal funeral. An informal gathering of family and friends will be held at her home in Concord at a later date to celebrate her life and legacy.
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