Gail "Mimi" Butler

1-25-41 to 7-25-12

Our beloved “Mimi” has passed. She was wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and Auntie Gail to the many who loved her and her memory will shine bright in all who knew her.

Mimi is survived by her loving husband of over 52 years, Edward McLear Butler, Sr. and her three children, Pamela Jane Challies of Marstons Mills, Patricia Anne Butler-Barros and her husband Reginald Barros of Mashpee, and Edward M. Butler, Jr. of Osterville. She reluctantly leaves her grandson, Tyler Butler and granddaughter Seneca Leigh Sunrise Challies as well as her grandchildren Christopher, Tracy, and Brandon Challies. She is also survived by her sister, Barbara Gardner of Maine and her brother Edward McManus and his wife Sharon of Maryland and Arizona and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, Paul D. and Dorothy C. (Shaw) McManus, along with four siblings, Sheila, Sandra, Paul and Arthur.

Mimi’s legacy will be her giving nature and her fighting spirit. Her battle with cancer was fought hard and valiantly, but we will remember most of all her kindness to others and how she was always true to herself.

She was a native Cape Codder, born at Cape Cod Hospital and a proud 1959 graduate of Barnstable High School. She married her high school sweetheart at the tender age of 18 and they nurtured a loving family together.

She held various positions in the Town of Barnstable, including matron, crossing guard, meter maid, and eventually, head of the meter department. Mimi was an active member of the community, was head of the Guild at Our Lady of Victory Church, and was always willing to help others in any way she could.

She was an avid collector and artisan. Her many unique collections included Byer’s Choice, antique cookware and kitchen items, depressions glass, dishware, and much more. Mimi was a master craftsman. She created items that many people will cherish for years to come. Antiques were her passion. A favorite saying was “The best antique is an old friend”. Her friends were precious to her. Her intelligence, humor, and artistry will be sorely missed.

Calling hours will be from 4 – 8 pm on Sunday, July 29, 2012 at Doane, Beal and Ames Funeral Home, 160 West Main Street, Hyannis. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 am on Monday, July 30, 2012 at Our Lady of Victory Church in Centerville. A graveside service will immediately follow at Mosswood Cemetery in Cotuit.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations payable to “The Last Gasp” bike ride to Ed Butler, Jr. at 3040 Falmouth Road, A-3, Osterville, MA 02655. All donations will benefit Hospice and Palliative Care in memory of Mimi.