Nancy Jane (Butler) Trees, 85, of Columbia, SC, passed away peacefully on Feb. 5, 2021.
She was born to the late Alton R. Butler and Dorotha L. (Satchell) Butler on July 28, 1935 in Sidney, N.Y. Nancy Graduated from Sidney high school in 1953 (aka The Mighty ‘53) and from the State University of New York in Oneonta in 1957.
She was married to her high school sweetheart Lester W. Trees, Jr., in 1960 and they raised two children in Cazenovia. Nancy is survived by her loving husband of 60 years; her daughter and son-in law, Deborah M. Trees-Vilardi and Scott Vilardi of Blythewood, SC; her son and daughter-in-law, Christopher A. Trees and Serena Felando-Trees of Vista, CA; her sister-in-law, Dorothy Butler of Raleigh, NC; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Her brother, David Butler, predeceased her in 2009.
Nancy was an elementary school teacher in North Syracuse prior to her marriage and devoted her life to her family and children after her marriage. She was an avid seamstress and would often sew for friends and family. She and her husband were longtime members of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Cazenovia and active in the choir. Nancy was immensely proud of her family and leaves behind beautiful memories.
Nancy loved babies and was a volunteer at Birthright in Syracuse for many years, offering love, friendship and support to pregnant women. She introduced a love of music and singing to her grandchildren and she encouraged them to sing in the choir, learn to play instruments and write worship songs. They have many fond memories of visiting Cazenovia for a walk to the lake or to explore the museum at the Library. One common memory from her grandchildren was finding her sitting in the afternoon sun on the back porch enjoying a snack of Wheat Thins and International Café coffee.
When discussing funerals and burial arrangements she often repeated the saying “ashes to ashes and dust to dust” and so her wishes were to be cremated. A private family “Celebration of Life” will be held, in lieu of a memorial service. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made in her name to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 25 River Street, Sidney, New York 13838 or to Birthright, 346 N Midler Ave, Syracuse, New York, 13206 (Birthright.org).