Mary Peterson Butterworth

Mary Peterson Butterworth, of Prince George, died peacefully in her home surrounded by family, on January 29, 2025. She was 72. She is survived by her husband, Mark Butterworth, owner of Butterworth's Furniture, in Petersburg. Other survivors include, daughter, Amy Butterworth Hesseldahl (Arik, Hopewell Junction, NY); her son, Brian Butterworth; four sisters; two brothers; as well as six grandchildren, Hunter, Brycen, Bryleigh, Brooklyn, Emma, and Brenna.

Born in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, Mary moved to Virginia in 1971, to attend nursing school in Petersburg. There she met her future husband and the love of her life, Mark. They were married for 51 years.

Over the course of a 30-year career in nursing she worked in many branches of the profession. Her first job out of school was in the emergency room at Petersburg Hospital. She traded that for a quieter job, as the school nurse, at Dupont Elementary School, in Hopewell.

In the early 1980s, she traveled to Denver, Colorado, to complete her certification as a Nurse Practitioner. Later she worked as a state Medicare auditor, as a hospice nurse, and a dialysis nurse. She also helped establish one of the first home health programs at John Randolph Hospital.

In line with her wishes, she will be cremated, and her family will take her ashes to the beach she and Mark so loved.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 2901 Norfolk Street, Hopewell, VA 23860. The family wishes to thank J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home for their assistance.