Aurora Butkovich

BUTKOVICH, Aurora (nee GASSI) - The “original” Aurora passed away, March 8, 2014 with her family at her side, at the Algoma Residential Care Hospice (ARCH). Aurora started out like a lot of gals back in the forties, as a waitress, and after a few years thought she could put up a restaurant of her own. And that she did. Before she was done with the restaurant business she actually started four successful places. A product of the Great Depression, she was willing to work hard to get ahead and was always generous to those who worked beside her. Aurora will always be remembered for the tagline “Pizza Supreme from the Pizza Queen” that she used in her original pizzeria on Bruce Street. She leaves many incredible memories and a legacy that her family is proud of. In addition to her restaurant endeavours, Aurora was known for her humanity, her love of music and her competitive spirit. She was a curler for many years and a long time golfer and member of the Sault Ste. Marie Golf Club.

Aurora was born October 8, 1919 to Carlo (Charlie) and Maria Vincenzina Gassi. She was married for 14 years to the late Tom Butkovich Sr. and leaves behind two children, Tom Jr. (Helen) of Cornwall, ON, and Carol Ann (late Frank) Hunt. She was a very special Gramma to Andrea Carmichael who grew up in the Soo, and she will always be affectionately remembered by her six "Cornwall" grandchildren--Christine Butkovich, Tonya Butkovich (Marc Tropper), Kent Butkovich, Maren Butkovich (Chris Chisholm), Paul Butkovich (Sachiko Kageyama), and Justine Wilks (Shea)--as Gramma Soo Marie. She is also survived by her seven great grandchildren: Taylor Egan; Noah, Chloe and Jenna Tropper; Kaz and Sho Butkovich; and Ella Chisholm. To her many nieces and nephews she was always the loving Aunty Aurora. She is also survived by her sister Annie Laccabue (late Jim) of California and her long time business partner and friend Cecilia Mihelcic of Kirkland Lake. Aurora was predeceased by her brothers Frank (late Christine), Bruno (Mary), and Remo (late June); her sister Jackie Lorenzo (late Frank); and her niece Pat Fazi.

Friends may call to join in a celebration of Aurora’s Life at the Arthur Funeral Home and Cremation Centre on Wednesday, March 12, 2014 from 6-9 pm. Funeral mass to be celebrated from Precious Blood Cathedral on Thursday, March 13, 2014 at 10 am. Rev. Hamish Currie officiating. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to ARCH. Our sincere thanks to Dr. Beduhn for his long time care of our mother and Dr. Beuhner and the caring staff at ARCH. Expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.arthurfuneralhome.com.