Jeannine M. Butler
1933 – 2009
FARMINGTON — Wednesday, July 15, was an extremely sad day for the family and friends of Jeannine M. (Saunders) Butler, who died peacefully at Franklin Memorial Hospital, after a heart attack.
She was born March 9, 1933, the only child to Belle Saunders of Waterville. She was educated at Mt. Merici Academy in Waterville, and graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in Jackman, where she had been voted most likely to become a nun!
She married the love of her life and soul mate, Bernard L. Butler on June 9, 1956, and together they raised their family in Wilton; four daughters, of whom they were immensely proud.
After her family had grown, she worked as a bookkeeper in several local businesses, in a secretarial capacity at the University of Maine at Farmington, and for the RSVP literacy program.
She joined her husband in retirement and together they enjoyed trips to Florida, Arizona, New Hampshire, and Vancouver, B.C.
Their lives were richly enhanced with the addition of their three grandsons. Nana and grandpa doted on ‘the boys’ and thoroughly enjoyed watching them grow, learn and flourish into fine young men while attending their sporting and academic events. In addition, she enjoyed the beach, crossword puzzles, reading, geneology and was an accomplished pianist.
She will be greatly missed by her four daughters, Pamela and son, Cameron of Portland, Linda and husband, Stewart Robertson, of Vancouver, BC., Nancy of Waterville and Susan and husband, Robert Carlton, and sons, Jake and Nick of Kingfield.
She was predeceased by her loving husband of 51 years, Bernard L. Butler October 2007; her mother, Belle Saunders; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Although she was an only child, she grew up in a large extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins. Many of whom she was exceptionally close to and considered ‘brothers and sisters. She will be dearly missed by her best friend, Sally Parsons and husband John.
After her husband’s death, she endured a lengthy illness and with the love and support of family, friends, physicians and her own inner strength she was able to regain good health, thus allowing her to go on the vacation of her dreams to Hawaii.