Laurie Sue Butler

HERKIMER - Laurie Sue Butler passed away January 16, 2025, in Wynn Hospital, Utica, NY, of COVID and pneumonia. She was 73 years old.

Laurie was born on December 20, 1951, the daughter of Doris M. and James M. Butler. Laurie grew up in Herkimer and graduated from Herkimer High School and Austin Beauty School in Albany NY. While Laurie lived most of her adult life in Herkimer, she enjoyed her travel adventures and time in North Carolina.

If you were to ask Laurie what brought her the most joy and pride, she would surely say her son, Joshua Nathaniel. They made a great team celebrating successes and tackling life’s challenges together. Because of Josh’s selfless devotion and care giving, Laurie was able to remain at home despite a diagnosis of MS some 30 years ago. Being a grandmother to Cody and Ian brought Laurie much joy.

While MS may have robbed Laurie of her mobility, it did not take away her kind and caring nature, spirit of determination and interest in the world around her. She looked forward to chats on the telephone, watching her favorite classic TV shows and connecting with family. Those who knew Laurie will remember her sense of fairness, keen awareness of right and wrong, high moral standards and great sense of humor. Laurie loved a good story or joke and reacted with an infectious laugh. As a child she enjoyed adventures with her siblings on their farm property and summer vacations visiting cousins on Lake Champlain.

Laurie is predeceased by her parents; grandparents; and several aunts and uncles. Survivors include her son, Joshua Butler, of Herkimer, NY; grandsons, Cody Robards Butler, of Greensboro, North Carolina, and Ian Butler and his wife, Kaitlin, of Rome, NY; sisters, Cathy Edgecomb and husband, Nick, of Taft, California, LB Day, of Seattle, Washington, and Beth Butler, of Taft, California; brother, James Butler and wife, Kindra, of Herkimer, NY; a niece; nephews; great nieces; great nephews; and many Butler, Morgan and Sullivan cousins.

Arrangements are being handled by the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Ilion, NY. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. In Laurie’s memory, take a walk in the woods, go for a swim in a lake next summer or extend a hand to help someone in need.

Monetary contributions in Laurie’s name may be made to the National MS Society, PO Box 289, Canton, MA. 02021.

This obituary will appear on the funeral home website at www.eneafamily.com on the Internet, Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate Funeral Directors (315) 894-8000.