Obituaries

Obituary: Janet Patricia Clara (Pankowski) Butler

Butler was an avid reader, long-time volunteer at the Zelienople Public Library and cat lover.

Obituary provided by family

An avid reader, long-time volunteer at the Zelienople Public Library and cat lover, Janet Patricia Clara (Pankowski) Butler, 67, succumbed to the illness which had slowly robbed her of her capacities, peacefully at her home in Jackson Township on Friday, Aug. 30, 2013.

Born March 17, 1947, in Pittsburgh, PA, she was the daughter of the late Anthony Francis and Tharsilla Catherine (Kuhn) Pankowski. 

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She and her brother, John Anthony Michael Pankowski of Pittsburgh, grew up at Brashear Camp in Jackson Township. She met her future husband on the school bus in first grade; they went on to be among the first graduating class of Seneca Valley in 1965.

She is also survived by her devoted husband of 45 years, Richard, and their clowder of taken-in stray cats; her daughter, Jessamyn (Craig) Cushing, of Cranberry Township; grandchildren Mollie (C.J.) Gussett, Emilie (Mike) Rentz, and Cameron, Craig, Jr., Emerson, and Jason Cushing; and a great-grandson, Elijah Cole Lang. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a granddaughter, Jameson Bella Cushing, June 28, 2004.

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Arrangements are being handled by Ball Funeral Chapel. There will be no viewing. 

The family plans a small, private service. In accordance with her caring nature, memorial donations may be made to Pittsburgh Spay & Vaccination Clinic, Verona, PA.

“The fog comes on little cat feet. It sits looking over harbor and city on silent haunches. And then moves on.”


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