South Deerfield, MA – We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved sister, Marie. Staying true to the strength she exhibited in dealing with her health challenges over the years, she prepared the following:
Marie A. Butkiewicz, 76, of South Deerfield, MA passed away on July 16, 2026. The daughter of Dorothy and Stanley Butkiewicz, she graduated in 1967 from Frontier Regional High School. She went on to Burbank Hospital School of Nursing in Fitchburg, MA, graduating in 1970 – fulfilling her dream of becoming an RN. She worked in area hospitals. In 1976, during America’s Bicentennial, she enlisted in the US Air Force and was stationed at Hill Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah. On return home from the Air Force, she worked at Providence Hospital in Holyoke, MA. She then transferred to Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton, MA. While keeping up with nursing journals, an advertisement by an American company caught her eye. They were looking for RNs to staff new hospitals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. She signed up and was stationed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. She worked with a diverse group of RN’s, doctors and hospital staff – which was enlightening, strengthening and definitely interesting. She was also able to travel the world. When she returned home after two years in Saudi Arabia, she took a job at the VA hospital in White River Junction, Vermont – retiring in 2007.
If you know me, you know that I’m a “TV judge show junkie”. A favorite quote that one particular judge uses frequently is…” Your siblings are your best friends — cradle to grave”. Fortunately, I have two of the best. Dot Barnard of North Hatfield, MA, Uber driver number one, lunch pal and so much more….. Barbara Miskimen of South Deerfield, MA, Uber driver number two, personal shopper who gave me a bonus sibling, Rory Miskimen, bearers of Cumby’s coffee when needed and so much more….
To my sisters: “I forgive you for shutting my head in the bathroom door when we were young”. (We have apologized!}
I thank my sisters for providing me with the most wonderful, caring nieces and nephews: Paul and Elaine Barnard, Brian Barnard, Stacy and Kevin Wissmann, Kerry and Scott Peabody and Lesley Clogston.
And, from them, I have my smart and caring “great” nieces and nephews: Kaleigh Wissmann and fiancé’, Chase, Talan Wissmann, Olivia Peabody, Ethan and Emma Clogston
Best family ever….
Special thanks to the “girls” and our outings…. making sure that my needs were always accommodated.
To the many friends I worked with, near and far, thank you for being a part of a truly wonderful career and life.
Love to all of you! Remember to BE KIND!
On my request, there will be no services.
If so inclined, please give a donation to the Salvation Army.
Please go to Czelusniakfuneralhome.com for online condolences and tribute book
Click here to sign the guest book or honor their memory with flowers, donations, or other heartfelt tributes