Jeanine Butrick

With a passion for living that was contagious to those around her, Jeanine Butrick was a true gift in the lives of all those within her reach. She possessed an unwavering faith that guided her every thought, word, and deed from the time she was a young girl. With a heart that beat to serve others, Jeanine generously gave of herself to those in need in the community she called home throughout the majority of her life. She was a devoted mother, but she just may have argued that being a grandmother was the role of a lifetime. A remarkable woman in every way, Jeanine will be deeply missed and warmly remembered. As the thirties were drawing to a close, America was ready for a reprieve from the harsh realities of the Great Depression that had gripped our nation throughout the entire decade. A crippling drought continued to blanket the northeastern United States, only continuing the pain felt by countless Americans. Despite the trials around them, a young family from Kaleva, Michigan, was pleased to announce the birth of their daughter on January 24, 1939. Jeanine Janice was the younger of two girls born to her parents, Waino and Helmi (Wetanen) Piirinen, and was raised alongside her sister, Gerane, who was five years her senior. Their family was of Finnish descent, and their heritage was extremely important to them. Jeanines father worked as a truck driver when she was young girl in order to support his family. When she was three years old, their family moved from Kaleva, located near Manistee, to a home on Merrill Avenue in downtown Muskegon where her father had secured work as a tool and die maker at Continental Motors. Tragedy struck early in Jeanines life with the death of her father when she was nine years old. His absence sent her mother into the workforce and because her sister was so much older, Jeanine learned to become independent, cooking many meals on her own. Their family of three attended Samuel Lutheran Church, walking single file to church every Sunday. For her education Jeanine attended Muskegon schools including Muskegon High School where she became good friends with Marilyn Woodard, Barb Hermanson, Pat Misner, Jackie Meyers, and Bobbie Simpson, who remained lifelong friends. It was also while in high school that Jeanine met the young man with whom she would share the best years of her life. His name was Lewis Butrick, and the couple soon began dating. With a desire to build a life together Jeanine and Lewis were united in marriage on November 27, 1957, deeply in love. They settled into the Lakeside neighborhood before moving to a home on Sherwood Road in Roosevelt Park that would be their home for the rest of their married life. Together they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Katherine, in 1958 who was followed by their daughter, Sue, in 1961 and their son, Robert, in 1963. Roosevelt Park was a great place to raise a family, and Jeanine was active in the lives of her children. Since Lewis worked as much as was needed in order to provide, Jeanine was able to focus her attention on their children. She loved taking them many places, especially to the beach, and they always had so much fun together no matter where they were. For many years she served as a room mother in their classrooms, was a Brownie leader, and was always at all their school and athletic events. The Butrick family joined First Congregational Church where they were actively involved. Through the years Jeanine sang in the choir and volunteered in a variety of ministries and services the church offered, and Jeanines mother also worked in the nursery there. Although she wasnt much of a cook, her children couldnt get enough of her homemade tacos. Even though her main focus was always on her family, Jeanine found so many other things fulfilling as well. She greatly looked forward to the annual Mothers Day camping trips with her high school girlfriends - no husbands allowed. Usually the girls went to Ludington State Park, and these memorable trips continued for more than 20 years. When her children were grown Jeanine got a job as a clerk in the lab at Mercy Hospital where she remained for over 25 years before retiring. She enjoyed traveling, sometimes with friends, sometimes with her husband, and sometimes with her sister. Jeanines destinations included places such as Florida, Port Angeles, Hawaii, and even Russia just to name a few. She loved music, and she played the piano in addition to singing in the church choir. Jeanine lived an active lifestyle and frequently walked despite undergoing hip replacement surgery on two separate occasions, which perhaps is why she allowed herself the occasional indulgence in her favorite treat - chocolate! She loved being a woman and doing things like getting her nails, hair, and makeup done just so, and she also had a love for dangly earrings with an extensive collection that numbered in the hundreds to show for her passion. There was never anything of greater importance to Jeanine than the people she loved. When grandchildren joined the family she couldnt have been happier, and spending time with them quickly became a favorite activity. Her grandchildren were often at her house as Jeanine made sure she had all the stuff they loved like swings and a kiddie pool. Together they also frequented the nearby parks. In fact, Jeanines home was frequently bustling with a variety of people as she always had a pot of coffee and a listening ear at the ready for anyone who stopped by. During her retirement years she became active with the Mission for Area People (MAP) Program and weekly volunteered serving and preparing meals for the less fortunate at the Supper House. Jeanine also regularly volunteered at the Saturday breakfasts at First Congregational. She was deeply saddened with her husbands death just last year, but she continued to embrace the days she was given despite dealing with continued health issues of her own. Jeanine was a survivor who even beat breast cancer. We will remember Jeanine Butrick for her heart of compassion, her quiet strength, and her steadfast faith, but it will be her endless heart that will be her lasting legacy. She always had time for others and made loving her family and friends her highest calling. Jeanine leaves behind a brilliant tapestry of memories that will remain forever near and dear to all our hearts. Jeanine J. Butrick died on Friday, December 16, 2011. Jeanines family includes her daughters, Katherine Johnson of N. Muskegon and Sue Butrick of N. Muskegon; son, Robert (Laura) Butrick of Norton Shores; grandchildren, Melissa (Andrew) Kutz, Matthew Johnson, Brandon Butrick, Reece Butrick; sister, Gerane (Dick) McEwen; special nephew, Jon McEwen; several nieces & nephews; and special friend, Jackie Johnson. Jeanine was preceded in death by her husband, Lewis, and special friend, Ron Suits. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 3, 2012, 11:00 a.m. and visitation 1 hour prior to the service at First Congregational United Church of Christ with Rev. Timothy D. Vander Haar officiating. Memorials may be made to First Congregational Church UCC. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory.