Saratoga Springs- Rene Potoker, 81, passed away gracefully on Sunday, December 12 at her cozy home of more than 50 years, after a long and brave fight with Alzheimers disease. Her joyful and loving spirit was ever-present as she tenaciously and elegantly battled her illness over the past 5 years. A testament to her passion for togetherness, the family gathered around Rene this past week to celebrate her full life, countless gifts and cherished legacy. Born January 21, 1929 in Brooklyn, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Anna (Koenig) Marks. Rene grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where she worked in her fathers grocery store during WWII and then enjoyed a career at Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in NYC. After moving to Saratoga Springs, Rene raised her family with endless love and energy. She worked at BOCES for many years teaching disabled children. Known as sweet Rene, she embraced life with beauty and joy. She adored children and animals, reveled in cooking for her loved ones, shopping for hours, world traveling, golfing, dancing and true friendships. She will be remembered as always playful, nurturing and full of life. Her big heart, warm smiles, welcoming hands touched so many throughout her journey. Rene was predeceased by her husband Herbert of 58 years who past away last year. She is survived by her son, Barry Potoker and his wife Cindy of Saratoga Springs; her daughter, Sharon Potoker Liese and her husband David Nachman of Overland Park, Kansas; one granddaughter, Justine Liese, also of Overland Park, Kansas; two sisters, Millie Macy of Saratoga Springs and Sally Nemiroff of Brooklyn; nieces Elizabeth Macy of Saratoga Springs, Linda Shulhofer and Debbie Cellura of Brooklyn; one Sister-in-law, Susan Belasco of the Bronx. She will be missed by her faithful Chihuahua Chico who cuddled at her side before and throughout her illness. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in her name to the Alzheimers Center of Albany Medical Center, 47 New Scotland Avenue, MC-65, Albany NY 12208. Words cannot adequately express our heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at the Alzheimers Center, especially Dr. Earl Zimmerman and Beth Smith-Boivin for their compassionate care and supportive guidance. It is with deep gratitude that we thank Renes loyal caregivers Paula Ciampolillo, Darlene Martinez and Barb Mathews for their steadfast companionship and devotion to Rene and for making the quality of her life the best it could be. Special thanks to The Community Hospice of Saratoga for their generous support. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday December 14 at 12:00 noon in the Jewish Community Center - Congregation Shaara Tfille at 84 Weibel Avenue in Saratoga Springs, with burial immediately following in the Jewish Community Cemetery. Family and friends are welcome to attend and are also invited to visit the family following the service at Renes home at 24 Benton Drive, Saratoga Springs NY 12866. A Shiva service will be held that evening at 6:00 PM. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke -& Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway (584-5373). Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com