Margaret Butterly

Margaret Butterly

1954-07-26 2021-12-03
LUDLOW, Vt. – Margaret “Margie” (Rhodes) Butterly, 67, of Lee, Maine, passed away on Dec. 3, 2021, at Penobscot Valley Hospital.

The daughter of George and Kathryn Rhodes and sister to Sandra (Sandy), Margie was born in Denver, Colo. on July 26, 1954. Following her mother’s death in August 1954, Margie was welcomed into the family of her aunt and uncle, Helen and James Roffe, and raised along with cousins Steven and Gary.

She graduated from the University of Colorado and became a talented physical therapist. During her career she helped many people restore their health in the communities of Denver, Colo.; Springfield and Rutland, Vt.; and Machias, Lincoln, and Brewer, Maine.

Margie met her husband, Jim, at a square dancing class in Colorado. They were married in October 1981 and moved to Vermont where they raised their family together.

She loved singing, and participated in many musical groups and programs. Later in life, Margie carried her harmonica with her everywhere she went. She was a dedicated Red Sox fan and loved going to the beach and visiting the ocean. Among her many joys at home included her flower gardens and her beloved pets.

Margie is survived by her husband of 40 years, James “Jim” Butterly; her sister Sandra (Sandy) Burke; brothers Steven Roffe and Gary Roffe; her children Erin Hopper, Cara Gauthier, Colin Butterly, and Kathryn Butterly; and her two sons-in-law Matthew Hopper and Benjamin Gauthier. She leaves behind her four grandchildren: Lawley Hopper, Wilson Hopper, Morey Gauthier, and River Gauthier.

Margie was preceded in death by her mother, Kathryn Marie (Jaskoviak) Rhodes; her father, George Rhodes; her brother, Jerome Rhodes; her aunt, Helen (Jaszkoviak) Roffe; and her son, Timothy Butterly. Her uncle, James Roffe, passed away in May 2022.

(Thank you Casey Funk for finding this!)

I knew Margie all the way back to 1961 in the second grade (University Park elementary school). [Also Tana Wedum...who's also left us too soon.] I can prove it because I have in front of me a color class photo showing a bunch of really cute kids. I'm a little embarrassed that I didn't know Margie better, particularly in that she lived only a block away from my house in those early days. I recall being a little confused as to her last name (Rhodes/Roffe), which is made clear in this obituary. What I do remember was a quiet, pretty girl; nice, polite, and friendly in a reserved way. I recall I first tasted "Tang" orange drink at her house...isn't it interesting what you remember and what you don't? I don't think our paths crossed much at TJ. It appears she had a wonderful life, which falls right in line with my early impressions of her.

tribute by Steve Maffeo

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