Lorette Butman

Lorette Butman

1911 - 2014 MANCHESTER CENTER, VT. Lorette (Bernier) Butman, 103, passed over Nov. 29, 2014 at Equinox Terrace. She was born Aug. 11, 1911, in Waterbury, Conn., the daughter of late Louis I and Vitaline Bernier. She was the youngest of six siblings. Lorette graduated from Wilby High School and Post Junior College in Waterbury. On Jan. 28, 1944, she married J. Arthur Butman. She was employed by Waterbury Button Company until her retirement in 1973; in retirement, she was active in classes and volunteering at the YWCA. Lorette was artistic, proficient in all types of needlework and crafts, and loved antiquing. Her home was always a reflection of her creativity, love of antiques and what was "pleasing to the eye". Lorette loved to travel and learn about other cultures. In her 20's, she took several tramp steamer (United Fruit banana boat) trips to Central America. Her first plane ride, at the age of 61, to Tahiti opened up the opportunity to fly to more places quicker, Lorette visited many states, Canada, Mexico and Europe. Later in life, she went to the Caribbean, choosing a different island, for variation, each time. Lorette was known for her loyalty to her friends, sense of humor, her lightening-like "zingers", cryptic innuendos, and lifelong love of adventure. In 2002, she moved to Vermont to be with her daughter and because she had "always wanted to live there". In her six years at the Terrace, she was active in all activities, particularly enjoying musical entertainment, mind games and all church services. Mrs. Butman is survived by her daughter, Donna, of Odenton, MD; her sons of her heart Paolo Zancanaro and Anton Donoso of Danby, VT; nieces and nephews Maureen and John Adams and Tom and Vesta Browne of MA, Ted and Nancy Emmons of CA, Barbara Robinson Bernier and Jeffrey Browne of CT, Claudia Zwiebel of NC, Leo and Tess Bernier of FL and their families. She is also survived by the family of her nephew Andre Bernier of ME and her extended families: the Bruno/Johnson/Kelly clan of MD and the Hitchcocks of northern VT. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur, and her grand-dog, Smokey. A memorial service will be held in the near future. Arrangements are being made by Aldous Funeral Home in Rutland, VT. Contributions in Lorette's memory may be made to High Watch Farm in Kent, CT or the Rutland (VT) Area Visiting Nurses Association & Hospice.