Louise Butts

Heaven rejoices welcoming Louise “Lou” Butts, age 102, of Erie, who passed away peacefully July 15, surrounded by her loving family.She was born in Brockway, PA on January 9, 1916.

She enjoyed her 102 ½ birthday celebration on July 9th  with her  immediate family showering her with love. Lou was a daughter of the late Joseph Ferraccio and Nicoletta Stefanelli Ferarccio Mancini.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by 14 of her 15 brothers and sisters; her first husband Floyd Persio and her second husband James H. Butts. She is further preceded by her daughter Patricia Bowers, her grandson Michael Persio and daughter in law Cathy Persio.

Louise is survived by four generations of family; a brother, Leonard Mancini of Brookville, Pa.; two sons, Norman Persio and his wife Bonnie of Ligonier, Pa., James R. Butts of Erie, Pa., one daughter Nancy DeHaven and her husband James M. DeHaven of Fairview, Pa.

She is further survived by seven grandchildren; Paul Bowers and wife Karrie of Macedon, NY,  Pamela Bowers and  Steven Porter of Hilliard, OH, Jason Butts and Amy Westfall of Columbus, OH, Scott Butts and Lauren Driscoll of S. Burlington VT,  Shannon Butts and fiancé Scott Zillman of Erie, PA, Andy Persio and fiancé Amanda Swain of Ridgway, CO, Douglas DeHaven and Allison Encisoof Verona, PA and  five great grandchildren; Shamar Curry of Los Angeles, CA, Kassidie and Jacob Bowers of Macedon, NY,Skylar Persio of Tuscan, AZ, Gavin Butts of Erie, PA and Jacob Zillman of Erie, PA.

Louise was a member of St. Julia Roman Catholic Church. She was a life member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Siebenbuerger Club and the Monisuzko Club in Erie.

At the age of 3, Louise and her father contracted the flu. Her father did not survive, but she did and continued to be a survivor through many difficult times until she got just too tired out at the age of 102. Being from a large family, she became a very hard worker at a young age.  Louise came to Erie from Brockway at the age of 14 and began working for her relatives, the Stefanelli family, whom she lived with.  Early in her life she owned and operated,with her husband James,the Butts Dairy Store on 4th & Walnut streets.  Later, Louise excelled in furniture sales for Grant City, the Boston Store and the J. C. Penney Company until she retired.

Louise was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and true friend to all she knew. She loved to make her homemade spaghetti sauce and famous meatballs for her family and friends.She was her happiest when family and friends would come to visit and she could feed them until they were stuffed.  Every meal ended with her saying: “If you didn’t get enough to eat, it’s your own fault!”  She never let anyone leave without trying to give them something to take home.

Louise took pride in her independence for so many years and even drove her car until age 95.She lived alone until age 100 , when due to health reasons, she went to reside at Fairview Manor until her death. She was the oldest resident there, and she was still very sharp. She would tell everyone that she "had her mind and her own teeth.” She liked to read the newspaper and watch the news every day.  She always credited her long life to her many years of hard work, and the love of family and friends, and especially the loving and devoted care from her daughter and guardian angel Nancy.

Louise was an extremely strong woman and always kept a positive attitude and a very beautiful smile. She taught us so much and showed such strength.  We are very thankful that we had such an amazing mother and grandmother (Nana) for so many years.  She will always be the heart and soul for our family.

Her family would like to thank all the wonderful doctors, nurses, aides (friends) and staff at Fairview Manor for all their kindness, love, excellent care, and especially to those who treated her with dignity and kindness in her final chapter. Rest in peace, Louise (Lou) Butts.  Your warmth, kindness, caring and compassion leave the world a much better place than the one you entered.

Friends may call at the Burton Westlake  Funeral Home, 3801 West 26th Street (at Powell Ave.) on Thursday, July 19th from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 pm., and are invited to the funeral service there on Friday at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made  to the family to assist with her services.

Send condolences to www.burtonfuneralhome.com