1929
2017
Mary Elizabeth (nee Doty) Butler, 87, of Oneonta, passed away, Wednesday, January 4, 2017.
Born July 27, 1929 in Freeport, Long Island and graduated from Freeport High School. Upon graduation she attended Oneonta State Teacher's College where she met the love of her life William (Bill) B. Butler. She graduated with the class of 1951 with a Bachelors Degree in Education.
After graduation she returned to Freeport and taught kindergarten for a period. She was loved by her students who later in life contacted her and told of their successes in life and what she meant to them as their first teacher.
While employed as a teacher she kept in constant touch with her then, boyfriend, Bill Butler. Early in 1951, they were united in marriage and forever she became Bill's "lovely bride" for 55 years of marriage and 7 children.
Mary was not only a great mother, wife and business partner she also volunteered in 4-H teaching many young people how to cook, do a multitude of crafts, grow backyard gardens, sewing basics and very advanced to make their own clothing, etc. She also served as a judge at the Otsego County Fair for many years in the 4-H building.
Mary assisted her husband Bill in a variety of very successful businesses in Oneonta including Oneonta Contracting Company, East End Development Corporation and they brought the first "fast food" restaurant (Burger King in the East End) of Oneonta. They had many rental properties in Oneonta for student housing and businesses. They brought the grocery store known as the A & P Grocery stores to Walton and Sidney. They brought the first ever mini-storage units to Oneonta, as well as WONT radio station which is now known as WZOZ.
She was very proud to be one of the founding "fathers" along with Marcella Drago of a nursery school. The first of its kind, Oneonta Nursery School, at what is now the Wilber Mansion in 1958.
Mary served the community in many ways. She was the first woman to serve on the YMCA Board of Directors and to continue on as President. Mary and Bill worked very hard with other dedicated Oneonta people to make the YMCA what it has become today.
Upon retirement Bill and Mary traveled the world extensively. They visited Southern California and fell in love with the desert where they settled in every winter. They made many dear friends whom they kept in constant touch throughout the years.
Surviving Mary is her only brother Jack (Trudy) Doty of Boca Raton, Fl. Sons; John (Evelyn Kay) Butler, Osh Kosh, WI and the Villages, FL., Michael (Kelly Ann) Butler of Oneonta. Daughters; Mary (Joe) Vamosy of Osh Kosh, WI, Patricia (Eric) Shields of Oneonta and Morris. Grandchildren; Andrew (Aymie) Butler Schaumburg, IL, Jacqueline Butler, Ryan (Rebecca Ruhland) Vamosy all of Osh Kosh, WI. Patrick Vamosy , Oak Harbor, WA, Aubrey (Tasi Karabinis) Fowler of Queens , NY.
She was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Loretta Doty, the one and only love of her life, husband William (Bill), sons Michael Patrick, Steve and daughter Anne.
There will be no calling hours at Mary's request. A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church on Saturday January 7, 2017 at 10 am.
In lieu of flowers or cards please think of the Oneonta Firemen, Inc., who serve this community above and beyond in so many ways and were there countless times for our mother. P.O. Box #81 Oneonta, NY 13820. The Oneonta Family YMCA 20 Ford Avenue, Oneonta, NY 13820.
A celebration of life will be held at The Parish Plains following the service.
Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website: www.grummonsfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home of Oneonta, NY.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home.
January 10, 2017
Patty & Mike
Our sincere sympathy for the loss of your mother. She was an elegant and sweet lady. You have wonderful memories to remember her by.
John & Galina
January 7, 2017
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Mary will be missed by many. She was a dear friend and we will miss her, but have so many fond memories of her and your Father. We treasure the days we spent with them and the love they had for one another. Chuck and Sarah
January 7, 2017
Dear John, Mary, Patty and Michael, and to all of your families. My sincerest sympathy to you for the loss of your mother. I remember her with fondness for her my kindnesses to me. May God grant you peace. Sincerely, Maureen Crandall Decker
January 7, 2017
So sorry for your loss...with sincere sympathy, barbara and Joseph mac farland...
January 7, 2017
Steve T.
John and the Butler Family, I am sorry for the loss of your mother. She was a sharing and kind individual whom I remember well from our days on Ravine Park North, and her obituary is a testament to her contributions to her family and our community. I hope that each of you is otherwise well and that the Lord will wrap you in his loving arms during this sad and difficult time. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
January 6, 2017
Melanie Jones
Patty, Mike and family,
Thinking of you! Cherish all of the wonderful memories of your sweet mom!
January 6, 2017
Bruce Sloan
Will miss this elegant lady. Always a smile and hello.
Bruce & Jane Sloan
January 6, 2017
Lynn Harron
John and Kay, I am so sorry for your loss. I will hold you close in prayer.
January 6, 2017
Liz Plantz
Mike, Patty and family,
I'm very sorry to hear about your mother. My family and I will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
January 6, 2017
Trish Molinari-Krom
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a wonderful woman. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers
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