Irene Butkus

Mrs. Irene Butkus, 82, of Amsterdam died peacefully on Tuesday, January 26, 2010 and joined her husband in the ever after. Irene was born in Fort Plain, New York on April 5, 1927, one of two children born to Stephen Leskey and Katie Cotton Leskey. As a young child, Irene moved with her family to Amsterdam. She graduated from the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School in 1945. On June 1, 1947 Irene was united in marriage to Raymond Butkus. That union lasted 53 years until his passing on September 17, 2000. Following her marriage, Irene worked as a seamstress in a local mill for a short time. She then devoted her life to taking care of her family and her home. Irene loved to sew and cook; she was admired for the beautiful cakes she baked for family and friends. She passed down many of her family recipes to her granddaughter, Erin. Irene also loved the game of baseball, especially watching her favorite team, The NY Yankees. She will be missed by her two sons, David Butkus and his wife Patricia of Gloversville, NY and James Butkus and his wife Sera of Saratoga, NY. She will be forever in the hearts of her six grandchildren, Erin, Ben, Catherine, Aina, Stephen and Maria. Irene is also survived by her precious great grandchildren, Ava Grace, Julius and Sofia; her much loved sister, Jane Skoczylas Scott and her niece, Karen Buckley and her husband John of Schenectady, NY. She also leaves behind her favorite feline companion, "Trixie." Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, January 29, 2010 at 11 o'clock at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam with the Rev. Pascal Iannotti officiating. A calling hour will precede the funeral beginning at 10 o'clock. Interment will take place in St. John's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to "SOCKS" in care of the funeral home office.