Obituary of Patricia Butler

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Patricia Butler, age 65 of New Line, NB, wife of Joseph Butler announces her death which occurred on Friday, June 1^st, 2018 at the Saint John Regional Hospital.  She was born July 27^th, 1952 in Sussex, NB.  The youngest child of Gordon Bickerton and the late Mary (Deegan) Bickerton.

Trish’s upbringing was idyllic and as the youngest child, and only daughter she was doted upon by her Mum and Dad.  As a reward for good behaviour in school, one June at their home in Fox Hill, she received a tricycle, John a wagon and Michael a bicycle.  The Bickerton children were mobile.  Some of Trish’s favourite childhood memories were of summers spent on her Grandparents’ farm in Parleeville with her brothers and cousins. Neighbours and cousins were her first friends.  Family gatherings consisted of the Lisson, Keirstead, and Finley family tobogganing and skating at the Redball Hill on the Parleeville Road.  Afterwards there was always a chance to warm up with hot chocolate.

Trish graduated High School in Sussex in June of 1970.  Soon after, she met a dashing young Constable with the Sussex Town Police while he was conducting foot patrol, and she working at MacAfees Drug Store on Main Street.  She often spoke of Joe luring her with a 1968 Mustang Convertible.  After dating for four years, they married in 1975. Joe traded the Mustang for a pink half tonne with a red tailgate.  Four years later, they welcomed Jennifer and 23 months after that, Dana.  Trish chose to stay at home to raise the girls in the early years, perfecting the art of home making while Joe provided for his family at NB Power.  When the girls came home after school, Trish always had a home cooked meal and dessert ready for supper.  Many, many hours were spent as a family which always including Nanny and Grampy.  Precious time was spent at the family cottage at Crawford Lake.  Joe and Trish loved each other deeply, and he would do anything to make her happy.  He often threw his hands in the air, and said “whatever Trish wants”. 

Trish decided it was time to work once the girls were in school.  She began her career as a Teacher’s Assistand (EA).  Trish worked with children for almost 30 years.  She is fondly remembered by students and staff alike.  She finally retired in 2016 with tears in her eyes.  She made some wonderful friends at school.  Trish, or Pat as known to her friends will be missed dearly.  Shopping excursions were a regular event, and at Trish’s insistence, show and tell of the day’s finds were a must.  Trish loved the hunt of a good bargain and time spent with good friends.

Trish brought home a Mustang against Joe’s wishes.  The one great thing about Trish was her zest for life, and her infectious positivity.  Joe was soon won over, and a slew of Mustangs were parked in the garage during the next few years.  Trips to Tim’s for coffee and a drive were a favourite activity for Trish. She also spent time volunteering at many Legion functions, and other committees, organizations and boards including Kiwanis and Victim Services.  She made friends easily, like her Dad.  People were magnetically drawn to her broad smile, infectious (mischevious?) laugh.  Her sister in law, Barb; the sister she never had was her partner in crime and upon many occasion.  Trish’s Mum would have to scold them to settle down.  Wendy Seymour says it best when she describes Trish as the first one in, and ready to go wherever, whenever.  They made a special trip to Alma just last week.  Trish enjoyed gardening and sewing as well.  Much of the kids’ clothes and their doll clothes were hand made in those early years.  The girls know that their Mum’s quilts are a work from the heart, and each have several personalized quilts at home. 

Joe and Trish played a copious amount of cribbage and there was an ongoing tournament at home.  Mum was hopelessly behind in the score, as evident in the crib score sheets.  They travelled the Province playing crib, and also made a good team at the weekly Legion crib tournament.  Although Trish would often lament that they “lost again”.  Sunday evenings were reserved for visiting with Gordon and Mary, and the girls took turns bringing a treat.

Trish’s passions included travelling to see her girls and almost annual trips down south.  They returned from Jamaica after a family vacation just a few weeks ago.  Joe and Trish visited John and Glenda in Newfoundland, and were planning a European trip with Dana next winter.  

Trish always had a weak spot for animals.  Most recently, a large stray cat named Buddy slept by her side.  She loved her family pets which included dogs and cats left by the girls, and her beloved fur grand babies. 

Trish spent evenings with her friends or Joe in the hot tub.  The view from the back deck inspired many thoughtful conversations about life.  She was grateful for the love of her family and friends and showed that every single day.  She was always more concerned for others’ than herself.

Trish’s true love was her little family.  She was equally proud of her girls and Brad and Shanon and told the girls every day how much she loved them.  Barely a day passed without a heartfelt text or at least a goodnight phone call.  She was the glue that held everyone together.  Grand children were an integral part of her life in recent years.  She loved Anna and Charlotte and spent a lot of time with them.  They remember that she made the best pancakes.  Sophia and Dawson will miss Nanny and her visits and birthday cards.  The children were gifted with a handmade Christmas ornament every year.  These are memories which will be cherished forever.

However you knew her; Patricia, Trish, or Pat, she touched us all in a way that made everyone feel grateful for her presence.  She loved life, she loved people, she loved laughing and she loved her family.  The verse at the back of the bulletin was printed by her, and found in her jewellery box on Friday.  She will walk beside us forever. 

Trish is survived by her husband Joe; daughters Dana Douthwright and her husband Brad of Baxter’s Corner, NB, Jennifer Simon and her husband Shanon of Fredericton, NB; brothers Michael Bickerton (Barbara) of Parleeville, NB, John Bickerton (Glenda Baker) of Gambo, NL; grandchildren Anna, Charlotte, Sophia, Dawson; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex NB (506-433-1176), where visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8pm.  A service celebrating Patricia’s life will be held from Wallace Community Chapel on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 11:00am. A private family interment will take place in the Church of the Ascension Cemetery, Apohaqui.

Donations in memory of Trish may be made to the Sussex Legion Branch 20 or to the memorial of the donor’s choice. Condolences to the family and donations may be made through WallaceFuneralHome.com