Alice Mary (nee Hamilton) Buttinger

The passing of Alice Mary (nee Hamilton) Buttinger 81 years of Bethany Pioneer Village Middle Lake and formerly of Lake Lenore occurred peacefully in the early morning of Thursday, May 30, 2024, while surrounded by her loving family. She had spent her entire life giving to others and putting them ahead of herself.

Alice was born on May 8, 1943 to John and Sarah (nee Flynn) Hamilton in Glasgow, Scotland.  She obtained all of her education there including a Teachers Certificate.  After teaching there for two years Alice and her friend Mary Morgan were very adventurous and wanted more.  So one day they noticed an ad for teachers needed in Saskatchewan and they applied.

They hoped to find a small town away from the bustle of the big city (Glasgow). The result was that she came to teach in Lake Lenore – small town, yes – quiet no!  Sister Ambrose was the principal at the time and Alice taught grade three and then four and five until April of 1970.  

While in Lake Lenore Alice met Richard Buttinger the love of her life.  They began to meet occasionally and finally more often.  In the fall of 1968, they were engaged and on December 28, 1968 they were wed.  This union was blessed with four beautiful daughters. 

Alice learned quickly how to be a homemaker and gardener.  She began to share her ideas with Richard, and they grew an abundance of cucumbers in hills, rather than rows and when it came time to harvesting the onions, Alice found a perfect way of hanging them on the clothesline to dry.  Alice really didn’t enjoy gardening she really was annoyed by all the bugs and all the weeding a garden took to be productive. 

Teaching was her passion and in the late 80’s Alice went to the U of S and received a degree in Special Education.  Alice continued to teach for many years and was an advocate for Stephanie’s education and independence, she devoted her life to Stephanie.  Alice was instrumental in integrating Stephanie into a normal classroom which allowed her to be just like all the other students.  Her family and her faith were her two greatest loves.  She was very active at St. Anthony’s Parish, as a choir director, member of the CWL, and looking after the cemetery for many years. 

Alice stayed connected to her Scotland family and as a grad gift to each   grandchild she took them on a trip to Scotland.  She was very active in her children and grandchildren’s activities and was always on the side lines cheering them on in her Scottish style she’d be saying “let’s go Gents or Ladies”.  Alice loved to have fun, laugh and visit with everyone. Alice will be remembered for her homemade shortbread, a gift she shared with many.  Alice will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her husband of 55 years, RICHARD Buttinger of Lake Lenore; three daughters, 11 grandchildren and four great grandchildren:

TERRY (Lyle) Kunz of Annaheim and family SHANE (Andi) Kunz of  Regina and children Makenna and Hudson, AMANDA (Braxton) Kunz of Middle Lake and daughters Vayda and Paisley, KRISTEN Kunz and MICHAEL Kunz (Anica) all of Annaheim; SHEILA (Lorne) Kunz of Saskatoon family EMILY Kunz (Soren) of  Naicam, SAMANTHA Kunz and MATTHEW Kunz both of Saskatoon; TRINA (Brad) Miller and family ALYSHA Miller, MEGAN Miller,  HAYLEY  Miller and BRAEDAN Miller all of Clavet; Brother Alex (Ann) Hamilton of East Kilbride, Scotland;  Sisters and brothers-in-laws: Steve (Jan) Buttinger of Saskatoon, Mary Buttinger of Saskatoon, Isabel Reimer of Calgary, AB, John (Barb) Vrolijk of Edmonton, AB; and numerous nieces, nephews, and many good friends.

Alice is predeceased by her parents John (Sarah) Hamilton; daughter Stephanie Buttinger; parents-in-law Anton (Sophie nee Gerwing) Buttinger; brothers and sisters-in-law: Butch (Marguerite) Buttinger, Irma Vrolijk, John Reimer and Wilbert Schulzke.

A Funeral Mass was held on Thursday, June 6, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. from St. Anthony’s R.C. Parish in Lake Lenore. Celebrated by Fr. Prosper Abotsi.  Interment followed at the St. Anthony’s Cemetery.  Memorial donations in Alice’s memory may be directed to St. Anthony’s Cemetery Fund or Bethany Pioneer Village, Middle Lake.