Marie L. Butera

Marie L. Butera, passed away peacefully, on Sunday, July 4, 2021, following a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. While this disease gradually stole a lifetime of cherished memories, she has now won them all back as she moves on to her eternal home. "Winning tournaments and games is wonderful but, what its all about, really, is seeing the kids develop through school and athletics and live a good life." This statement, made by Marie in an interview with her then, 11 year old great nephew, defined her mission as a dedicated teacher and coach for many years to come. While many would go on to further achievement in the athletic realm, she hoped that her instruction and the experience she provided impacted all she met in a meaningful way. Her passionate lessons on the fundamentals, fitness, improvement, teamwork, sportsmanship and "winning attitude" continue to resonate among those she has touched. In this way, her many beloved student-athletes, friends, and family members will ensure that the "winning" never ends. A graduate of Boston University, Marie was a dedicated physical education teacher and coach at Weston High School for 38 years. Over her tenure, she coached many sports, but was most revered for developing and leading the highly competitive field hockey (402-54) and lacrosse programs (237-70). Accumulating an impressive list of honors and accolades over the years, Marie continued to earn recognition as a competitive amateur golfer even after her retirement. Marie was a passionate, decorated sportswoman and coach who courageously forged her own path through a time when women did not have the same opportunities they have today. She was a pioneer, a fierce competitor, and a deeply loyal friend. And in her own humble, classy way, through the people she has touched, she was an inspiration...not only to break barriers, work hard, get outside, and exercise...but to be a kind soul and live a "good life". Marie was predeceased by her beloved parents, her dear brother and sister, Santo Butera and Celia "Ceci" O'Toole, her brother-in-law, Guerino Lucente, her great niece, Cici Vachon, and many dear friends, particularly Eleanor "Ellie" Cosgrove, and her long-time partner Ed Connolly. Marie is survived by her sisters; Sally Butera Lucente and Mary Butera; her brother-in-law, Patrick O'Toole; and her nieces and nephews, John and Caryn (O'Toole) Vachon of Medfield, P.J. and Amy O'Toole of Millis, Robert and Nadia O'Toole of Newton, John and Cathy Butera of Norfolk, Diane Nozawa of Brighton, Joan LaVoie of Walpole, Paul and Diane Butera of Newton, Rick and Donna Lucente of Norfolk and Wayne (Marlow) and Laura Lucente of Framingham. She is also survived by her seventeen great nieces and nephews, many of whom play lacrosse and other sports, carrying on her love and legacy. On Thursday, July 15, 2021, a visiting hour will be held in the Robert J. Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home, 1803 Centre St., West Roxbury. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Theresa-Avila Church, 2078 Centre St., West Roxbury, at 10 A.M. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, West Roxbury. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marie Butera - Empowering Women through Sports - Scholarship Fund via GoFundMe at: https://gofund.me/8ea823c9. This fund will be used to establish an annual scholarship award for a deserving student-athlete at Weston High School. For directions, guestbook, and to view full obituary, please visit www.lawlerfuneralhome.com.