Catharine Butzner

Waynesville, NC - Mary Catharine "Kay" Butzner, age 93 of Lakeshore Drive, Lake Junaluska died Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at CarePartners Hospice and Palliative Care John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center, in Asheville. A native of Scranton, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of late Carl F. and Norma Schoen. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James "Jim" Butzner. A graduate of Scranton Central High School and Hood College, Frederick, Maryland, with a B.S. In Chemistry, she was a retired high school chemistry teacher for the West Deptford School system in West Deptford, New Jersey. Well known for her commitment to young people, especially young women, choosing careers in science, she was awarded the Chemistry Industry Council of New Jersey Outstanding Teachers Award. A resident of Lake Junaluska for 31 years she participated actively in that community and the community-at-large undertaking numerous volunteer projects. For her efforts, in 2002, then Governor Michael F. Easley recognized her for her many volunteer services. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Waynesville. A loving and generous wife and mother, she was also a skilled bridge player, shot a good game of golf and was a gracious hostess to friends and family who happily returned year after year to enjoy her good company and delicious food. For the last year and a half, author and illustrator Glenna Lang interviewed her on a weekly basis for a book she is writing on Scranton Pennsylvania during the 1920's and 1930's. She is survived by one son James William Butzner of Houston, Texas, Jane Henderson and her husband Riley Henderson of Shrub Oak, New York, and Ann Butzner of Asheville; four grandchildren, McDavid Henderson and his wife Leah, Rachel Elizabeth Henderson, Rebekah Esther Henderson, and Krista Elizabeth Butzner; one great-granddaughter, Evan Reigh Henderson; six nieces and nephews and their families. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in the Waynesville chapel of Wells Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to CarePartners Hospice and Palliative Care John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center, P.O. Box 5779, Asheville, NC 28803; First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 838, Waynesville, NC 28786; Church of the Lamb Mission Fund, P.O. Box 1387, Robbinsville, NC 28771; Lake Junaluska Annual Fund, P.O. Box 67, Lake Junaluska, NC 28745; or the charity of your choice. The family is profoundly grateful for the expert and compassionate medical care she received.

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