Solley, Priscilla “Cilla” Brenda, passed away on October 26, 2016 after a long, courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in London, England, on Jan. 1st, 1944, she was the daughter of the late Stanis Kistenmacher and Norman Potts. Beloved wife of Howard for 49 years, cherished mum of Andrew, Sarah and Andy Benson, and Grammie to her dearest grandson, Jack. She is survived by her loving sister, Fidelma Paine (and family) of Welwyn, England, her brother Bryan Potts of Thailand, and many other family members and close friends. She was predeceased by her brothers, Alec and David, her sister-in-law, Brenda and niece, Jessica. In August 1967, newlyweds Cilla and Howard came to the U.S. to build their lives and family here in CT. Cilla and Howard loved to travel and visit national parks both in the U.S., and Canada. They walked the original London Bridge over the Thames, as well as on its transplanted location, Lake Havasu City, AZ. They planned many of their signature family-surprise-adventures throughout the world. They hiked, swam, and explored many paths together. Cilla worked at Bristol ARC for over 20 years, however, Cilla’s true vocation was being a ‘mother’ to many, and a champion for voices unheard. Even while working and raising a family, Cilla volunteered her time to many causes including the BARC Advocacy program, Special Olympics, CCC, RSVP, the 1st Congregational Church, and other community, school and youth programs. In 2015, she was honored by the CT Special Olympics with the Unsung Hero Award. Cilla was a quiet warrior and showed great fortitude throughout her life, even until the very end. Most importantly, she taught us all, that kindness is powerful and contagious. In her memory, donate some time or resources to a favorite cause, read to a child, forgive a grievance or practice a simple act of compassion. The family would like to thank her nurses, Katie, Sylvie and Rhonda for their outstanding care, kindness and love; the Bristol Hospital Cancer Center, Emergency Room and Hospice staff; and her many friends, near and far, for the endless cheer, correspondence and friendship. A very special thank you to Mary and Ty Rimcoski, neighbors and friends for 38 years. A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, November 18th at the DuPont Funeral Home, 25 Bellevue Avenue, Bristol. Friends may call at the funeral home from 4:30-5:30 p.m., with a memorial service immediately following at 5:30. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (pancan.org) or the 1st Congregational Church of Bristol (firstchurchbristol.org).

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