Tribute

It is with heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of our mother, Pola Mary Butula. Pola passed away peacefully on October 18, 2019 in Cranbrook, at the age of 87.

Pola, the youngest of 4 girls, was born in Trail to Maria and Pietro Del Bucchia. Pola had a close relationship with her family, and worked hard to help her parents as she grew up.  She married Jacob “Jack” Butula, a boxer living in Kimberley, after he returned from the 1952 Olympics.  Pola and Jack moved to Regina where their son Jacob Jr. “Jack” was born, later returning to Trail where their daughters Joy and Pearl were born.  The family lived in Vernon for 3 years after that, and then returned to Trail in 1970.  In 1992, Pola’s husband Jack passed away and Pola heartbroken moved to Cranbrook to be closer to her daughter Pearl and her family.

Pola’s talent for sewing was most notable. She made and designed clothes for her and her family, her sisters’ families, and taught sewing and eventually worked as an upholsterer which she excelled at.  She also worked as a cashier and was extremely good with numbers, she worked for Homemakers and as care aide at Kiro Manor Senior Home, plus Pola spent many hours volunteering for Girl Guides, Cub and Scouts and CWL.

Pola was a wonderful cook and loved to bake. She had a passion for good food.  A passion she passed on to her family.  Family get-togethers always were highlighted with amazing meals.

Pola and Jack loved to play cards, camp, and ski with their family, Pola’s sisters and their many friends.  They especially loved to dance.

After she moved to Cranbrook, Pola forged many dear friendships and loved going out for meals, laughing, playing cards and visiting with her friends, meanwhile never losing touch with her dear friend from her past.

Pola would tell you her family was the most important thing to her; she cherished her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was close to each and expressed her loved to them through words and deeds.

Pola had a deep connection to Jesus and God which started as a child. Pola shared her faith with those around her and her faith carried her through many troubled times.

Besides her family and friends, Pola’s other passion was helping others. She always went out of her way to help anyone in need and loved to make others feel good through laughter.  Pola always had a joke for the ready; she had an amazing ability to tell jokes.

Pola is survived by her 3 childlren; Jacob (Debbie Green) Butula, Joy Butula, Pearl (Doug) Singer, grandchildren Jordan (Nicole Denison), Sean (Trisha) Denison, Jacob “Jay” Butula, Allison Butula, Scarlett and Ryland Dennison, Wyatt, Blake, Gianna and Linken Denison, Taylor Thorimbert, Kenton and Charlotte McCall and Benjamin Thomas. Pola is also survived by her sister Olga (Eric) Voltz and numerous nephews, nieces and many close friends.

Pola was predeceased by her infant son John, husband Jack, parents Maria and Pietro Del Bucchia, sisters Yoli (Cristofoli) Daniels and Eda (Nonis) Yasek.

Funeral Service for Pola will be held on November 9, 2019 at 1 pm at Christ the Servant Catholic Church with reception to follow.

A special thanks to staff at Joseph Creek Village and the 1^st responders for their compassion and care.  Family would also like to thank Dr. Ingram, Dr. Jewett, Dr. Cain, Dr. Buckley and Dr. Huyser for all their care and support for Pola throughout the years.

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