Priscilla Elizabeth Hearne Butkus left her earthly home on January 31, 2023 to go dancing with the stars. A proud daughter of Medford, Mass. who recalled patrolling her neighborhood block at night during World War II, she met her sailor sweetheart Aniste "Ernie" Butkus at the St. Patrick’s Day Dance at the Charlestown Y. Head bookkeeper at the Shawmut Bank by day, she and Ernie waltzed in rapturous rhythm across every major Boston ballroom by night. After the birth of their first child Cherie, they moved to Brockton to raise a family of five where Priscilla served as president of the Ellis Brett PTA, taught Ernie to golf at DW Field Parkway and instilled in her children the near impossible lesson of patience as they took turns churning homemade peanut brittle ice cream.

Moving to Hyannis Port in 1965, Priscilla’s work ethic and friendly nature transformed their home into a summer guest house, "Anchor Awhile," where rates during high season ranged from six to eight dollars a night including homemade muffins and coffee. Warm and outgoing, she continued her work in hospitality as a longtime hostess at Mildred’s Chowder House, whose clam chowder was second only to Priscilla‘s.

A strong athlete as a teen, Priscilla continued to enjoy golfing and long walks throughout her life and was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan. Her many hobbies included playing piano by ear, making braided rugs and quilts, enjoying the finds at thrift shops, baking, hosting family meals and caring for her beloved Weimaraners. She loved discussing politics, was a faithful voter and was a special fan of Congressman Seth Moulton. Priscilla enjoyed taking classes at Cape Cod Community College when granddaughter Kim was a student there. She obtained her real estate license and was very savvy, discovering modest hidden gems to buy, renovate and sell.

She nurtured friendships that extended from teenaged days to elder years and was a loving wife and later caregiver for Ernie when he developed Alzheimer’s. Her pleasure in child raising extended joyfully to being a grandmother, great grandmother and great great grandmother and she adored the partners her kids and grandkids married.

Although Alzheimer's dimmed her command of facts over time, it seemed to strengthen the expression of her feelings of love and gratitude. Her mischievous sense of humor prevailed til the end - when asked if she was uncomfortably warm, she giggled "I'm one HOT Mama” !

Spending her last years at Cape Regency beloved by staff and residents, she enjoyed outings for scallop rolls, meandering car rides, singalongs to 40’s standards and trips for coffee ice cream with daughter Cherie Dryz and husband Dan and daughter Diane Butkus and husband Mark Bourbeau. She is also survived by loving son Barry Butkus, daughters Joanne Creel and Cindey LeGeyt and husband Tom. She'll be remembered tenderly by grandkids and their wives including Kim Creel, Caeli Bourbeau, Alexis and Maryanne Bourbeau, Chad and Melissa LeGeyt, Craig and Kristen LeGeyt, Adam and Elizabeth Dryz, Jesse and Bryt Dryz, and Brett LeGeyt. Priscilla took much joy in new generations including great-grandkids Destiny Andujar, Darmany Jimenez, Deyvian Pagan, Simone and Felix Bourbeau, Bryan Muir, Ethan, Connor and Callen LeGeyt, Bryce, Ryan and Greyson LeGeyt, Gregory and Sophia Dryz, Heavyn Raye Richardson and Isabella Grace Dryz, and great, great grandson Nathaniel Andujar.

Visiting hours will be held on Sun Feb. 12 from 1-3 pm, followed by a time of reflection at the Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Ave. S. Yarmouth, MA. 02664. Burial at Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne on Monday Feb. 13 at 12:30. Gathering at Hallett Funeral Home at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider visiting your local nursing home.

To the wonderfully extended Butkus Family ~ Thank you for sharing the thoughtful words that provided a vivid and warm picture of Priscilla's life. The world has lost an exceptional woman, but I do think she is waltzing again in a very beautiful place. My condolences to all of you as you remember the times you have shared with this lovely lady. May those memories always bring a smile to your heart. With love, Janice M. (friend of Diane)

I think of Priscilla often--having had the great good luck to meet her almost 48 years ago. Her talent still lives in our family; each year, I bring out the beautiful Christmas stocking she made for my daughter, along with the gorgeous velvet tree skirt. She leaves behind a phenomenal family and a wealth of wonderful memories. All my best to the family.