Dorothy Margaret (Cooper) Buttars

Dorothy Buttars, age 98, passed away peacefully at the TBRHSC’s TCU, Thunder Bay, on Sunday, January 2, 2022 with family by her side.

Dorothy Margaret Cooper was born October 12, 1923 to parents Roy Earl and Mabel Mae (Cleasby) Cooper at their family home at 208 Ross Street, Fort William. Dorothy was born 20 minutes before her twin brother George Earl Cooper.

Dorothy grew up surrounded by a very close, loving family, at 208 S. Norah St. She enjoyed speed skating, CGIT, babysitting, baseball, golf, going to the show (especially with her father), and weekly family dinners.

Early employment was at Hogarth’s Grocery Store and Eatons. Dorothy started with Chapples Department Store in 1944, most of this time as the manager of the Hosiery Dept. Chapples is where she met her forever friend, Florence (Redpath) Houston.

Chapples is also where she met that handsome guy returning from WWII. Vince Earl Buttars and Dorothy Margaret Cooper were married on November 22, 1950 at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. They made their home on Bessie Avenue, and loving welcomed children, Warren, Sandra, and Donna. After the death of Vince, Dorothy lived independently in her home until November 2021. This Bessie Avenue home and neighborhood were a big part of the family’s life, with lifelong connections.

Dorothy was always on the go – curling, golfing, creek fishing, bridge, poker, petit point, bingo, socializing with neighbors. Volunteering at McKellar Hospital; driving cancer patients; accompanying handicapped children to school. She spent a great deal of time involved with church events. She was still carpet bowling in her mid-90’s and was up for a game of Cribbage anytime.

A HUGE part of Dorothy’s life was dedicated to the Sapphire Rebekah Lodge #309. She was a 70-year member, serving as Secretary for 49 years, held positions of Noble Grand and District Deputy President. One of the most valued positions was with the CP&T committee.

Hosting the annual Cooper Christmas Eve party was one of her favorites. She loved to brag about our family’s ‘Happy Hour’ that have been happening almost every Friday since 1978. Dorothy started writing in a daily diary at the age of 16 (82 years of stories and happenings). Can’t forget to mention the hundreds of dozens of amazing shortbread that she made, even into her mid-90’s.

Dorothy was predeceased by, husband, Vincent Buttars (1987); daughter, Donna Olsen (2008); parents: Roy (1951), Mabel (1955). Her siblings and their spouses: Wm Chester (Louise) Cooper, Ethel (Lawrence) Waugh, Hazel (Michael) Kennelly, Charlotte Ross, George Cooper, Roy (Blanche) Cooper. Brother-in-law Wm. Ramsey ‘Bruce’ Buttars. Nephew, Melvyn Cooper.

Survived by: son, Warren (Brenda); daughter Sandra (Sandy) (Dennis) Axent; grandchildren - David (Kathy) Buttars; Derek Buttars; Tara Lynn (Olsen) (Josh) Carr; Bradley Olsen; great-grandchildren: Kayla and Owen Buttars, Tyler and Natalie Carr. Sister-in-law Hazel Cooper. All of Thunder Bay. Also survived by nieces and nephews Carole Prosyk, Larry Waugh, Charlene Kozak, Gary Cooper, Cheryl Kibsey, of Thunder Bay, and Shirley Sajna, and Roy David Cooper in B.C.

Dorothy Margaret (Cooper) Buttars, lived a long and fulfilled life – most times we would refer this longevity to “the stubborn Cooper blood” …. but…it also could have been because of the “just one ounce” of brandy before bed. This feisty lady will definitely be missed!

Due to Covid, a family service and interment were held on Friday, January 7, 2022, at Mountain View Cemetery. Rev. Joyce Yanishewski officiated. A celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund.