Emily Anne Butteri

Emily Anne Butteri, 93, of Hilton Head, South Carolina, known to family and friends as Anne passed away peacefully on May 17, 2023, at the Friends of Caroline Hospice Cottage in Ridgeland, South Carolina.

Anne was born on the family farm in Boston, Missouri to Harry and Margaret Bouser. After high school she moved west to California to live with her Aunt Ruth and attend nursing school at Los Angeles General Medical Center. After graduating she worked as a Registered Nurse in Yosemite National Park and later at a pineapple plantation on the island of Lanai, Hawaii. She spent her time off in the outdoors hiking, skiing, swimming, and snapping photos with her Kodak camera. Back in San Diego she met Frank, the love of her life, and set off for new adventures on the East Coast.

Anne and Frank were married in September of 1960. Shortly after they wed, they moved to the Scranton, Pennsylvania area where they raised three children, Peter, Elisa, and Michael. Mom had a sweet-tooth and we children quickly learned we could raid her chocolate stashes while she was out working as a private-duty nurse. She passed her love of the outdoors to her children. All three of us eventually settled in Alaska and worked as wildland firefighters.

Instead of following the kids north though, mom and dad chose to head south to warmer climes. They built a home in Moss Creek near Hilton Head Island. Both became Master Gardeners and spent spring and summer days tending their beautiful yard and garden. Mom loved wildflowers and birdwatching. She never lost her love for sweets and ate vanilla ice cream by the tub full. She frequently wrote articles about the outdoors for the Moss Creek newsletter and volunteered with several local groups that helped to preserve and protect wildlife refuges in the area including the Blue Heron Sanctuary, Fording Island Nature Preserve, and Victoria Bluffs Heritage Preserve.  

Anne was predeceased by her father and mother, her sister Marjorie, and by Frank, her husband of 62 years who passed just a month ago. We are comforted that mom and dad are together again. Mom is survived by her brothers, Frank and John, her sisters Joanne and Harriet, and by her three children and their families.

Anne spent much of her life caring for others and enjoying and protecting the natural world. In lieu of flowers, and to memorialize our mother, we ask that all who wish to honor her donate to the Friends of Caroline Hospice, a wonderful organization that has provided greatly needed comfort and support to Anne and family through our parent’s final year here on Earth.