Anne Mary Butler-Noonan

Anne Mary Butler-Noonan of Houston, TX, formerly of Fairhope, AL, Cheboygan, MI and Royal Oak, MI, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2022. Anne was 96 years old, mother to four, grandmother to six and great grandmother to 13 children.

Anne was born on July 25, 1926 in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, to parents Michael and Mary McMonagle, who, in 1940 moved their family to Detroit, Michigan. Anne graduated from St. Leo’s High School and began working for the Michigan Bell Telephone Company during the WWII. In 1946, she married Francis L. Butler, her high school sweetheart. They lived in Detroit until 1951 when they moved their growing family to the suburb of Royal Oak.

While raising her children, Anne was employed as an Account Manager with Ford Motor Credit. During those years, she learned to play bridge via a newspaper column and also became a master of the crossword puzzle, both passions she always enjoyed.

With growing children, Anne and Frank built a larger home and moved their family to Madison Heights in 1966.

A lover of travel and the need to move ever-forward, Anne planned their trips to Australia and New Zealand, and as years passed, searched for the best location and design for their future home on Lake Huron.

Upon retiring to Cheboygan, another trip was planned which took Anne backpacking through Europe, on her own, for three months all the while keeping a journal, taking photographs and sending postcards. Later that year, Anne returned to Europe with Frank to see their beloved Ireland and Scotland.

In 1987, Anne lost her husband Frank. With quiet determination she planned her future and in 1991, moved to Fairhope, Alabama. There, Anne earned a degree from Faulkner College. As a patron of the arts and theatre, Anne volunteered at the museums, library and hospital in Fairhope.Anne joined the Baldwin Senior Travelers and saw the Southwest.

In 2006, Anne married Albert Noonan of Fairhope. They lived in a retirement community, continued traveling and entertaining family and friends until Al’s death in 2018.

Anne loved her life in Fairhope, it was home, however, later that same year, she decided to move to Houston, to be closer to family. Once again, Anne triumphed, making her new home as beautiful as the others in her past, cultivating friendships and enjoying new surroundings.

Anne loved her children and wanted the best for them. They remember her strength, her sense of fairness, and steadfast loyalty to her family while quietly “doing it her own way.” She loved her grandchildren and relished her time with them. They may remember Nana/Grandma as stoic and loving, with a kind and independent spirit, always teaching by example and sharing her wisdom through intelligent conversations. Anne saw her great-grandchildren as God’s extra blessing; her hope for them is to keep a fearless heart and be inspired by honesty and authenticity, just as she was.

Anne was preceded in death by Francis L. Butler (husband), Patrick K. Butler (son), Albert W. Noonan (husband), Peggy Tsoucaris Butler (daughter in law). Anne is survived by her children, Francis R. Butler, Naples, FL, Nancy Haldane, Houston, TX, Daniel and wife Diane Butler, Elk Rapids, MI. Surviving grand children, Kiersten and Brad Stahl, Christopher and Tracy Butler, Kevin and Jenny-Mead Butler, Danielle and Matt Richmond, Mehgan and Randal Wichuk, Ryan and Leah Haldane. Surviving great grandchildren, Madison Butler, Evan Stahl, Angus Butler, Jack Butler, Francis Richmond, Cecelia Butler, Gretchen Merman, Arthur Richmond, Henry Butler, Vivienne Wichuk, Declan Haldane, Rowan Wichuk, Delaney Haldane.

Anne was loved by all who knew her, she is dearly missed.

Anne will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery, Cheboygan, Michigan.

She donated to The American Red Cross, Alzheimer’s Association, and Wounded Warrior Project.