Josephine Butt… beloved “Josie” to Baron for 61 years… ended her days in this life on October 6, 2009 at the Dartmouth General Hospital in Dartmouth, NS. Josie’s life will live on through daughters Glenda (with Franklin in Halifax), Judi (with Jim in Dartmouth) and Pix (with Heather in Mont St Hilaire, Quebec); who were all gathered with her for the leaving. Josie’s story will be told and retold through granddaughters Heather (with Sean, Caleb and Ethan in Victoria, B.C) and Hilary in Dartmouth; and through Joyce’s wonderful family – Bruce (with Dale in California), Roger (with Claire in England) and Dic (with Marsella in Connecticut). Distance did not deter the bond of the two sisters over the years and we have reaped the reward.
Josie began her life’s journey, being born into the family of Lucy (Butler), John Thomas and Joyce. With Lucy’s death soon after, Josie was welcomed into the hearts and home of Hilda (Thomas) and Bill Rendell. Vera joined the family later. Sharing Josie’s journey were many family members from the Thomas, Rendell and Butt family trees. Many became dear friends and will hold her memory close. Some friends become as family – like the Wicks/Luscombes who continue to be part of our family. As daughters, our hearts are tied and forever grateful to Joan and Ross Bartlett and Garfield and Daphne Thomas for doing so much to help Mom and Dad stay in their home on Elswick Road for so long. Our thanks also go to the many care givers, especially Shirley (Thomas) Fiander, in Corner Brook; the caregivers at the Adelaide Respite Care Home in Waverley, N.S., where Mom spent her last year; and the oh so caring palliative care physicians and nursing staff at the Dartmouth General for those last six days. A service celebrating this wonderful woman will be held at First United Church, Corner Brook on October 23, 2009 at 11am. Our request, in lieu of flowers, would be support for the new housing project of First United, the church where Josie and Baron were the first to be married in 1946. Cheques can be directed to First United Redevelopment Fund, 25 Park St. Corner Brook, NL, A2H 2W8.