Mary Ann (Frey) Butts

Mary Ann Frey Butts passed away peacefully in her home Monday afternoon, with her family at her side. She was 91 years old.

Mary Ann was born June 24, 1931, in South Bend, IN, the youngest daughter of Martin and Louise Frey. Mary Ann attended Central High School, graduating in 1949. 

On May 15, 1970, in South Bend, she was united in marriage to Ernest (Ernie) L. Butts. She is survived by two nephews, Tom (Peg) Maffitt of Burlington VT, and David (Judy) Maffitt of St. Louis, MO; grandniece/nephew, Zoe and Kevin Maffitt of St. Louis; and Ernie’s children and their descendants. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her sisters Elizabeth (Betty) Frey Maffitt and Beverly Frey, and her brother-in-law John (Jack) Maffitt of South Bend, IN.

Mary Ann worked for IBM for over 25 years. She was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Mary Ann was also a member of the Christ Child Society. She frequently volunteered at a local food pantry, with the Brothers of Holy Cross, and at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center. She loved family gatherings, baking, gardening, counted cross-stitch, knitting, and reading.

Mary Ann was a very loving wife, a second mother to her nephews and niece-in-law, Judy, and a friend to many. A heartfelt thanks to her “found family members,” including: Cindy and Mike Hoffman, Trish and Tim Maher, Melinda and Paul Romanetz, and Thelma Donahue. She was an energetic, caring, and hard-working woman who loved her home, family, and church. She had a zest for life, and remained active almost to the end.

Family and friends are invited to share memories of Mary Ann Friday, March 17 from 4pm-6pm in the Palmer Funeral Home - Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN 46635. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at St. Joseph Chapel located in Holy Cross College, where friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service. Graveside services and burial will follow at Highland Cemetery, South Bend. 

Expressions of sympathy on behalf of Mary Ann may be made to the Sister Maura Brannick Health Center, https://www.sjmedgiving.com/donate326 South Chapin Street, South Bend, IN 46601, or to Christ Child Society of South Bend, 2366 Miracle Ln, Mishawaka, IN 46545.

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