Obituary of Georgeann “Jo” Butler

Surrounded by love, Georgeann “Jo” Butler passed peacefully at the Burin Health Care Centre on October 8, 2025, at the age of 57.

Jo faced more in one lifetime than most could imagine — yet she met it all with courage, creativity, and love. After losing her husband at just 32, she devoted her life to raising their son, Rodney — her greatest pride and joy. No matter how hard life became, her strength never wavered. When cancer entered her life, she fought it fiercely for years, never letting it define her. Even after losing her arm, she refused to slow down — she could do more with one arm than most could with two.

Her determination and creativity shone through in everything she touched — from the driftwood horses, houses, and other handmade projects to the laughter she shared so freely. She had a passion for flowers and loved surrounding herself with their colour and life, often tending to them with the same care and patience she gave to those she loved. She also loved trouting and, true to her spirit, figured out how to keep doing it even with one arm. Jo had a special love for Halloween and found joy in life’s little moments, especially feeding and watching the birds outside her window. She never gave up her love of coffee and a smoke, enjoying life’s simple pleasures with a quiet contentment that was all her own. She also adored her cat, Pokeroo, whose companionship brought her endless comfort and laughter through it all.

Her heart belonged to her son and, later, to her beloved granddaughter, Arielle, who gave her the strength to keep fighting for so long.

Jo will be remembered for her courage, her laughter, and her unwavering love for her family. Her strength was quiet but unshakable, and her memory will forever remind us what it means to live with heart.

Jo was predeceased by her parents, George and Annie Comby; her husband, Rodney Butler; her grandparents George and Rose Comby, Patrick and Elizabeth Drake, her sister-in-law, Lorraine (Polly) Butler; and her in-laws, Alice and Bertram Butler and nephew Bert Butler.  Uncle Alphonses Drake, Aunt Susie Drake, and Uncle Patrick Druken.

She leaves to mourn her beloved son Rodney Butler and granddaughter Arielle; her partner, Gordie Mayo and his children Megan and Owen and granddaughter Melanie; her brother Paul Comby (Tina); her aunts and uncles, Marg (Jim), Edward (Joy), Edith, Ches, Dave, Pauline (Bob) and Maureen. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Mary, Hattie (Harvey), Earlene, Sandra (Len), Ina (Carl), Sharon (Danny), and Cindi (Jerry), and her brothers-in-law Morg, Carl (Cynthia), Claude (Michelle), and Aus (Diana).

She will also be fondly remembered by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, including special nephew Morgan (Lesley) and niece, April (Craig), as well as many close friends who were like family to her.

After a long and brave fight, she is now at peace — reunited with her husband, her mom and dad, likely with a hot coffee in hand and a smile on her face. In keeping with her spirit, her ashes will rest in a Tim Hortons can, a fitting tribute to a woman who found comfort in life’s simplest joys.

In keeping with Georgeann wishes cremation has taken place.

Family will be receiving friends on Sunday October 12, 2025 from 2-4PM & 7-9PM.

A celebration of life service for GeorgeAnn Jo will take place on Monday October 13, 2025 2PM at Serenity Chapel 95 Main Road Burin with inurnment following at Zion United Cemetery Collins Cove.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the family in GeorgeAnn "Jo" memory.

Funeral arrangements and entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, We listen, we learn,  we walk with you.