FARMINGTON – Wednesday July 15, 2009 was an extremely sad day for the family and friends of Jeannine M. (Saunders) Butler who died peacefully at Franklin Memorial Hospital, following a heart attack.
Jeannine was born on 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, Jeannine 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.
Jeannine will be greatly missed by her four daughters; Pamela and son, Cameron of Portland, Maine; Linda and husband, Stewart Robertson of Vancouver, BC.; Nancy of Waterville, Maine, and Susan and husband Robert Carlton and sons Jake and Nick of Kingfield, Maine.
Jeannine was predeceased by her loving husband of 51 years, Bernard L. Butler, who died in Oct. of 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.
Following 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.
Funeral services will be held Friday evening at 6 PM from the Wiles Remembrance Center, 136 High ST., Wilton, followed by visitation from 6:30-8 PM. Public graveside committal services will be held Saturday morning at 11 AM at St. Francis Cemetery, Waterville, Maine. In lieu of flowers please make a contribution in Jeannine’s name to: Cardiac Rehabilitation Department or the Diabetes Education Center at Franklin Memorial Hospital 111 Franklin Health Commons Farmington, Maine 04938. Condolences may be sent to her family via e-mail to info@wilesrc.com
