Celia L. Butterfield

RUTLAND- Celia Louise (Vaughn) Butterfield, 96, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2025 at Vista Senior Living. She was born in Glens Falls, NY on January 24, 1929, the youngest of three children of Isabel (Winch) and Harold Vaughn. She is survived by her sister Helen (Bill) Ruoff and predeceased by her brother Harold Vaughn Jr.

Celia married her husband, Kenneth Butterfield (predeceased) on July 25, 1948. Together, they had five children: Kenneth (Judy) Butterfield, Mark (Patricia) Butterfield (predeceased), Raymond (Mary) Butterfield, Jane (John) DeBlasio, and Robert (Kathy) Butterfield. They lived in Glens Falls, NY and Malone, NY before settling in Rutland, VT .

Celia worked at Howard’s Jewelry and Munsat’s Jewelry Store, which she really enjoyed. She and Ken went on to own and operate several local dairy bars for many years; she liked to say too many! She then worked in her son Mark’s law office, which was a job dear to her heart. Her next stop was volunteering in Senator James Jeffords’ Rutland office, where she was so proud to work. Although she didn’t see the Senator very often, he did ask her for a ride home to Shrewsbury one day. What followed was an adventure for them both, as they got lost, but had a wonderful afternoon seeing beautiful Vermont.

Celia converted to Catholicism when she got married, but was raised a Methodist, an upbringing she was proud of. She was an active member of St. Peter’s Church and a dear friend to many nuns at St. Joseph’s Convent. She made habits for several of them and was their go-to seamstress. In fact, she made many of her children’s clothes; indeed, for her niece’s wedding in 1968, she made herself and Jane matching dresses, sports coats for Kenny, Mark and Ray, and an adorable ring bearer outfit for Bob. She also made doll clothes for Jane and Jane’s friends.

“Cel”, as she was known to many of her friends, loved her family and was respected by all who knew her. She always welcomed visitors into her home with a smile and an assortment of grand-children approved refreshments. She was a generous cook and baker; her recipes, including homemade schnapps, baileys, kahlua, limoncello, and cordials, custard pie, pizzelle cookies, and chocolate peanut butter balls, live on with those who loved her so dearly. Celia was a talented artist, potter, knitter and painter; her works and handmade mittens are visible in the homes of countless members of her large family. One year for Christmas, she even made ceramic replica dolls of all of her grand-daughters; she received awards for her ceramics; truly, her creativity knew no bounds. Cel was an avid reader, classic movie connoisseur, and the best cheerleader for all members of her family. You could often find her around town at various graduations and school events. Nobody was a prouder mom, grandma, and great-grandma! She was a lifelong defender of animal rights, a pet lover and owner. Throughout her lifetime, she nurtured a family of beloved fur babies(over 25!) that predeceased her starting with her first dog Frisky that she had as a girl in Glens Falls. Her beloved home at 1 Perry Lane was deemed by her kids as The Butterfield Spa for Pets.

Celia stayed active up until the last few years of her life. In early 2022, she gained more family, the Vista family. There she received superior care. Although dementia curtailed her activities and conversations, Jane is convinced she was very aware of who visited, (or as Cel herself would say, and those who did not!). She spoke rarely, but, on Easter Sunday she said “I love you” to Jane. The aides loved her and she loved them in return, never once complaining. Her last 3 years had so much value! She was surrounded by love. Janette, Luis, Daniel, and more at Vista will always be in Jane’s and John’s hearts.

Thank you to her Perry Lane neighbors, Tom and Marty, who helped her innumerable times and to Bayada Hospice for their care, comfort, and compassion on and off through the last three years. Celia’s light will shine on in the lives of her sister, four living children, thirteen grand-children, twenty-two great grand-children, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Celia was cherished by so many who were lucky enough to know her. She made the world a more beautiful place and she will continue to do so by the lifetimes of memories she inspired.

A funeral mass will take place on June 2, 2025 at 11AM at St. Peter’s Church, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery. A reception will follow in the afternoon at Southside.

Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to: The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research, 320 W. Ohio Street, Suite 300, Chicago IL 60654 or to your local Humane Society.