Mary Grace Kilcullen Brier Butler passed away peacefully Wednesday night at Marywood Heights following a brief illness. She was the widow of the
late Robert M. Brier (1976) and the late William F. Butler (2017).
Born in Scranton on November 1, 1927, she was the youngest child and
only daughter of the late Frank J. and Helen Coyne Kilcullen. She
graduated from St. Paul’s High School and Marywood College. She
married Bob Brier in 1952 and embarked on an action-packed journey
that included the arrival of seven sons, the launch of a successful family
business, and too many blessings to count. After Bob’s sudden death in
1976, she returned to Marywood to earn a Master’s Degree in
Counseling, a testament to her lifelong commitment to learning. In 1993,
she married Bill Butler, and embarked on another meaningful journey, one that included much travel and many new friends during their 24 years of marriage.
Throughout her life, Mary Grace quietly helped many with her God-
given empathy, relentless optimism, and world-class listening skills. To
know Mary Grace was to love her. She was as smart as a whip, kind,
soft-spoken, graceful, and humble. She had a wonderful sense of humor
and a contagious laugh. She revered her family, and she loved being a
confidante and trusted advisor to each of her sons for a cumulative 450
years of motherhood. She infused each conversation with them with her
trademark blend of patience, understanding and wisdom. In turn, she was revered by her family; they were blessed to know that she loved and believed in each of them unconditionally. She was their rock and their safest harbor. In every sense, she was an inspired matriarch to an
extended family near and far.
Over her 96 years, Mary Grace was exceptionally good—to her children,
grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Grandma Gracie loved company,
all company, especially if they came bearing chocolate, any chocolate,
but she reserved a special place in her heart for Mallomars. She ended
each visit with her loved ones—no matter how long or how brief, until the very end of her life—by declaring “I hate to see you go!” followed
by the question, “When will I see you again?” Mary Grace, we hate to
see you go!
Mary Grace’s legacy is defined by love, dignity, civility, humor,
moderation, resolve, kindness, and earned respect. Her style, like her,
was current and beautiful.
Surviving her are seven sons and daughters-in-law, Tim (Janet), Tom
(Terri), Pat (Kate), Mark (Tammy), Bob (Anne), Dan (Karen) and Frank
(Claire). Mary Grace was the proud grandmother of Gabe, Kay, Phil,
Tom, Jim, Matt, Nora, Pat, Bobby, Aileen, Owen, Ashley, Mark, Abby,
Tim, Bridget, Maggie, Mary, Katie, Kevin, Grace, Dan, Mike, Kyle,
Siobhan, Pete, Anna and Claire Brier, and the ever-loving great-
grandmother of 29. She is also survived by Susan Kapp (Dennis),
William Butler, Jr. (Betsy), and Tom Butler (Bizzy) and their families.
She was predeceased by her four brothers, Frank Jr., Ed, Bob, and Joe
Kilcullen, all veterans of World War II.
Mary Grace wished to especially thank Madeline Santaniello for her
years of friendship and support, the dedicated staff at The Pines
Senior Living and Dr. Jim McKenna for their wonderful care. The Brier
family will be forever grateful to those who sustained Mary Grace and
brought joy into her life.
Her family and friends will celebrate her life in music and prayer in a
Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, May 24 at 12:00 pm in the Church
of St. Gregory 330 N. Abington Rd. Clarks Summit, PA 18411. All are
welcome.
Friends may call Thursday from 3:00 -8:00 pm at the Church.
Interment will be at the convenience of the family at Cathedral
Cemetery.
In Mary Grace’s spirit, the family expresses a strong preference that, in
lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to St. Joseph’s Center 2010 Adams Ave Scranton PA 18509 or Friends of the Poor 2300 Adams Ave. Scranton, PA 18509.
Joe Madzin
Our Deepest Sympathy ????☦️
The Madzin Family
Terrence/Ann Rink
Dear Brier Family: Terry and I would like to extend our condolences to you all at the loss of your precious Mother. We are so very sorry we cannot attend the service and tell you this in person but we will be out of town. Please know that you are in our thoughts!!
Eileen Haggerty
I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the Briar, Butler and Kilcullen families on the loss of Mary Grace. She was such a beautiful, kind and lovely person. I always looked forward to running into her. She and my Mom were good friends for many years. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Fondly,
Eileen Haggerty
Lynda and Ed Lynett
Please accept our deepest condolences. Mary Grace was such a lovely person and we always enjoyed being in her company. We’re saddened to be unable to attend her service, but you will all be in our thoughts.
George Gwilliam
Pat
sorry for your loss our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time but what a great life 96 years old
Jim Durkin
Pat and family,
I remember your mom as such a kind, calm soul amidst the chaos of all her boys and their friends. Please accept our sincere condolences at this difficult time.
Jim Durkin and family
Neal O'Brien
Tim, Tom, Pat, Mark, Bobby, Dan, and Frank:
So sorry to hear about your Mom passing away. Mrs. Brier was the last link of our parent’s generation when we were growing up on Delaware Street and was always so welcoming to all us when we came around. I will always cherish the memories.
Denise fife
I only met Mary grace a short time ago and only got to be graced with her beautiful presence for a little time,but her amazing, loving ,kind ways will forever be close to my heart.
Thank you Mary grace for sharing your wonderful stories with me
Many blessings on your next journey
Thank you to her family for allowing be to partake in their mothers care.
My deepest sympathy to you all.
Barbara O Boland
Dan, I am so sorry about your mom. It sounds like she had an extraordinary life and I know you will miss her. Warmly, Barbara Boland