Paula E. Butler

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, 77-year-old Paula Eugene Butler, who very unexpectedly, but quietly slipped from this earthly realm and passed into eternal peace on November 2, 2025, as she laid basking in the sun in her favorite spot, overlooking her back yard, and the Hudson River. Paula, a lifelong Athenian, was born in Catskill, New York to the marital union of Lawrence Palmateer and Pauline (Salvino) Palmateer on June 9, 1948. She was the eldest of nine; the first of the tribe. Paula lived the entirety of her life on the banks of the mighty, mighty Hudson and with Athens mud on her feet, she could never stray far from her beloved Hudson for long. Paula graduated from Coxsackie-Athens High School, went on to marry Robert Butler, and eventually gave birth to two children, her daughter Courtney and her son Robert. Paula was a devoted stay at home mother to her children delighting in expressing her undeniable talents by designing and creating elaborate Halloween costumes for her children each year or intricately decorating homemade cakes and other delicious treats for birthdays, holidays, and weddings. When her children were both old enough to go to school, so did Paula. She returned to school at Maria College, where she earned her nursing degree, and went on to a lengthy career as a compassionate and well- respected nurse, ending her career in 2015 when she retired as Deputy Superintendent of Health Services for the Department Of Corrections and Community Services. Paula was predeceased by her father, Lawrence Alanzo Palmateer Jr., her husband and the father of her children Robert Francis Butler, her first grandchild Quinn Robert Butler and her brother-in-law Edward Thomas Miller. She is survived by her mother and matriarch of the family, Pauline H Palmateer, her daughter Courtney Lynne Butler, her son Robert Francis (Marla) Butler Jr. , her much adored grandchildren Clara Jane Butler, and Tatum Robert Butler, her eight brothers and sisters, Lawrence (Sandy) Palmateer, Patrice (Philip) Miller, Paulette (Carl) Travis, Pamela (Donald) Fontaine, Lance (Christine) Palmateer, Lee Allen (Nancy) Palmateer, Peggy (Stephen) Cerquone, Leo (Stephanie) Palmateer, along with far too many nieces, nephews and cousins to count. Paula’s unyielding devotion to her mother, sisters, and brothers was evident throughout her life even though they all envied her tremendous culinary skill. In addition to her absurdly large family of origin Paula found an equally large family of two- and four-footed members, at the Unbridled Sanctuary Horse Rescue, a place that always brought exuberant joy to her heart and the most radiant smile to her face. Although Paula absolutely loved flowers, as evidenced by her beautiful and well-tended gardens, she loved horses even more. In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that those wishing to honor Paula's memory do so by making a donation to support her absolute passion, the elegant equines at Unbridled Sanctuary in Greenville, New York. A celebration of Paula's life will be held on Monday November 10, 2025, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Brady’s Funeral Home at 97 Mansion St in Coxsackie, New York and Paula will be laid to rest in a private ceremony the following day. Paula will be dearly missed, as will her cooking. Fare thee well Paula Fare thee well We love you more than words can tell Listen to the river sing sweet songs to rock your soul To leave condolences for the family please visit the tribute wall above. Arrangements have been entrusted to the W.C. Brady's Funeral Home, Coxsackie

Paula E. Butler

June 9, 1948 - November 2, 2025