RoseMarie Butler
June 16, 1928 - February 18, 2021
Obituary
It is with great sadness and loving memories of a life fully lived that the family of RoseMarie Butler announce her peaceful passing on February 18, 2021. RoseMarie was born in Seattle, WA to Charles West and Marie West on June 16, 1928. RoseMarie joins her late husband, Joseph and her late daughter, Susan who have patiently been awaiting her arrival.
Rose Marie attended Holy Names Academy grade school and high school. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Education degree from Seattle University, class of 1951. RoseMarie’s teaching career spanned from grades kindergarten to 4th grade in the Seattle Public Schools and at St. Edward Catholic School. She was a passionate, talented educator who always got the most out of her students.
RoseMarie married Joseph (Joe) W. Butler of Seattle, WA on June 16, 1956 at St. Edward Church and a reception following at the Sorento Hotel in downtown Seattle. They were a perfect pair. Soon after they began their family and were devoted parents to their five children; Susan, Michael, Carol, Lori and Thomas.
When Susan, their first born, was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, RoseMarie and Joe steadfastly refused expert requests to institutionalize their daughter. Susan grew up surrounded by a loving family and became an integral part of her community. RoseMarie became a strong advocate for persons with disabilities, and caring and advocating for Susan was a key component for a life characterized by service to others.
RoseMarie was an active member of her Catholic community, a gracious host for numerous family gatherings, including many years of Seafair picnics from her Seward Park home. RoseMarie thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her family, and will be dearly missed by her surviving children Michael Butler (Deanna), Carol Ballata (Joe), Lori Pollett (Dennis), and Tom Butler (Kathleen), and seven beautiful grandchildren (Courtney, Lexi, Savannah, Joe, Daniella, Noelle, and Kyle).
The family would like to share a special thank you to the staff at Bridle Manor, especially Flora Apopei (owner) and Marian where RoseMarie resided for the last five years.
Due to the restrictions of COVID, the family will be holding a private service at St. Edward Church and burial at Holyrood Cemetery. We invite you to “Share a Memory” at www.bonneywatson.com online obituary page for RoseMarie.
Mrs. Butler, you were an exceptional teacher & such a positive influence on my life. You will be remembered & revered.
Thank you,
Tali Jones.
Steve w
Mom, you always supported me even through my darkest times. You let me know (amazingly) that we all make mistakes and you would help me through it. You were there when the garage door cracked my head open and you comforted me. You supported my company through it’s struggles….for that I am eternally grateful…you are the reason this company is what it is today. I will miss you, I love you mom. Your baby Tom
Not a good-bye mom, just a see ya later..Love you always..
What a beautiful tribute to the momma of a beautiful family. Thank you for sharing – and giving us the opportunity to learn from a life well-lived. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, the Pollett family (Lori’s “other” family)
What a gift to have another family who has been so supportive and loving.
A lovely tribute. Love to the family.
Mrs Butler, you were such a vibrant part of Oakhurst Place. I will always remember your kind soul with all of us kids on the block. Rest in peace. ✨
Bekki
Thank you Bekki. Our parents and the neighborhood made for such a rich and memorable childhood. We were so lucky.
So grateful to have had a chance to meet RoseMarie and to count her beautiful daughter as a friend. She certainly made a difference in so many lives and will be deeply missed. My love and sincere sympathy to her family, extended family, and friends
Lori, Your mother sounds like a wonderful woman. May you find peace at this very difficult time. With great sympathy, Susi
RoseMarie was a lovely lady. It has been many years since I saw her in person, but she and my mother would sometimes see each other at the grocery store and I would hear about RoseMarie as well as how she was so kind in talking with my dear mom. I met RoseMarie (then Mrs. Butler or “Susan’s Mother” to me) back in the mid- 1960s. I was part of the Franklin High Spades group that volunteered with special needs children. We would visit Susan and do activities with her but mostly we picked her up (Kiwanian men driving the cars) to go to special events. My family lived just above Wilson Ave. off of Orcas Street. Susan had siblings who interacted with her so well. . . of course, I was young then but appreciated that fact because my aunt (mom’s sister) had special needs and, being born in 1921, was denied formal education, etc. Even back then, though, my grandparents raised her, refusing to send her to an institution. After my grandparents died, my Aunt Ruthie lived with my parents and then I helped care for both my mother and aunt in later years. So my mother, Bernice, and RoseMarie were comfortable sharing about family when they saw each other. My mother was ten years older than RoseMarie and she died in 2012. My aunt died in 2013 at age 91 even though the doctors predicted she would not live past 10 years old. Your mother was a quietly amazing woman. May God bless your family with memories. The photos posted here are lovely.
The memory of Rosemarie will honor her as part of the history of the battle to acquire the human and civil rights for our children. She was part of the organized mothers who worked to pass HB90, our states mandatory Education Law,
How lucky all of her children were to have her as a mom.
I have fond childhood memories of Mrs. Butler during my time as a student at St. Edward’s. She was a kind, compassionate teacher and an integral part of the community. Wishing Peace and Grace for the Butler family.
Mrs. Butler was one of my favorite teachers during middle school. She was a phenomenal Language Arts teacher and a very kind and patient person. She praised her students for their achievements and was always proud of her son Tom (who was a little older than we were). Thank you, Mrs. Butler for making a difference in my life. My sincere condolences to the entire Butler family.
So sorry for your loss Butler family. You’ve created a lovely tribute for a lovely soul. St. Ed’s class of 76’
Mrs. Butler and I go back to Northwest Center where Susan and my son, Brad attended back in the 60’s. Also Mrs Butler taught my children in St. Edwards school.May she be resting in Gods glory and rest
Mrs Butler i was your student at st eds. I was the filipino asian kids who didnt know too much english at the time and was very shy tho we had our ups and down u always pushed me harder to excel and it helped me and shaped me to what i am now Mrs.Butler i am so sorry i am not there but know u will always be in my heart as one of the great ones i love u Mrs.Butler just wish we had more time so could have flown back to the usa said thank you in person.Thank You Mrs Butler u will be missed.Condolence to the butler family and RIP Mrs.Butler