Phyllis Patricia Butters

Phyllis Patricia (Sullivan) Butters, age 95, passed away on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Needham, Massachusetts.  Born in Walpole, Massachusetts on June 11, 1927, she was the daughter of the late James A. and Mary E. (Spillane) Sullivan.  She was raised in Walpole, Massachusetts, where she graduated from Walpole High School with the Class of 1945, developing lifelong friendships with her classmates.  Following her graduation, Phyllis took a position with the New England Telephone Company, working as an operator in their Walpole branch.

 

Phyllis married her beloved husband, William F. Butters, on June 19, 1949, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Walpole.  They initially made their home together in Burlington, Vermont, while William completed his studies at UVM.  The couple returned to Massachusetts, making their home in South Norwood and Phyllis took a position with the Foxboro Company, commuting with one of her new neighbors.  As she welcomed her children, Phyllis left her career, taking on the role of a homemaker, raising and caring for her family.  The Butters family quickly outgrew their South Norwood home, and went on to settle on Nichols Street across town.  Once her children had grown up, Phyllis returned to her career, taking a position with Dr. Peter Lambert, managing his office in Walpole.

 

Throughout her life, Phyllis was devoted to her faith, and was instrumental in the building of Saint Timothy's Church, just down the street from her house.  She also took an active role in the ladies Sodality, helping to arrange events and fundraisers.  Back at home, Phyllis took great pride in her house, ensuring everything was well kept both inside and out.  She loved spending time outdoors, caring for her yard, mowing the lawn or tending to her gardens.  Most of all, Phyllis was devoted to her family, and loved the opportunity to take an active role in her children and grandchildren's lives.

 

Beloved wife of the late William F. Butters.

Loving mother of Julie Rashkin and her life partner, Steven Adams, of Florida, Paul Butters and his life partner, Cindy Brennan, of Norfolk, Brian Butters and his life partner, Judy Fraone, of Sandwich, Elizabeth Michael and her husband, Jeff, of Wrentham, Maryellen Moore and her husband, Robert, of Wrentham, and the late William Butters and his late wife, Lynn Duffy.

Mother-in-law of Kathy Dooley Butters of Canton.

Cherished grandmother of Jennifer, Lindsay, Daniel, Christopher, Brett, Kendra, Ashley, Jeffrey, Caroline, and Robert; and one great-grandchild, Gus Noll.

Sister of the late James Sullivan, Timothy Sullivan, and Richard Sullivan.

Also survived by her nephew, Tony Sullivan, of North Carolina, as well as many more loving nieces and nephews.

 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather on Monday, January 30, 2023 at 10:00 AM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole, prior to a Funeral Home Service that will be held at 10:30 AM.  Interment will follow in Highland Cemetery in Norwood.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her name may be made to the charity of one's choice.

 

Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.