Christine "Chris" Butler

Christine, "Chris," Butler, 71 of Cortland, NY passed away Sunday, June 14th surrounded by family at the Francis House, Syracuse, NY.

Born of May 9th, 1955, in Ithaca, she was the daughter of George (Ed) and Joann Drake.

She graduated from Ithaca High School in 1973 and went on to work at Cornell University as an Executive Secretary fro 21 years. Later in life she decided to fulfil her dream of nursing, and she graduated from St. Joseph's School of Nursing in 2006 at 50 years old. Nursing was a true passion of hers, and she spent many years bringing care and comfort to her patients. She continued to work as a nurse for 20 years.

Beyond her professional life, Chris was a member of the Seniors Club and Retired Nurse's Club. She also enjoyes playing shuffleboard with the seniors. Chris cherished the many friendships she made from childhood to her adult life, through work and the clubs she was involved with. Most importantly, she had such a fierce love for her family. Chris was known as Nina by Gerry's granddaughter; Teagan and Chris enjoyed sharing special times together. Of all her names, Grandma was her favorite, and she loved spending time with her three grandsons.

Chris is survived bt her son, William (Cailin) Bailey of Syracuse and her very special boys, grandson's Declan, Braeden and Rowan Bailey. She leaves behind her beloved Drake siblings: Ed and Cheryl Drake of Harford, NY, Durcy and Milton DeGraw of Groton, NY, BJ and Wayne Watson of Virginia Beach, VA, and sister in law Marie Maguire of New Port Richey, FL. Chris also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Chris is predeceased by her fiance, Gerald (Gerry) Tracy of Cortland, NY, her parents, George (Ed) and Joann Drake of Ithaca, NY, her brother, Frank (Marie) Maguire of New Port Richey, FL and her sister Barb Russell of Ithaca, NY.

Calling hours to honor and celebrate Chris' life and being held on Saturday, Jun 20th at 12pm followed by a memorial service at 1pm at Perkins Funeral Home, located at 55 W. Main St, Dryden, NY 13053. A celebration of life to remember Chris will be held at Etna Fire Hall following the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Francis House