Obituary of Myrna Buttner

It is with immense broken hearts and great sadness that we announce the passing of Mrs. Myrna Büttner (née Stahl), age 83, at Regina General Hospital on Monday, August 31, 2020.

Myrna was the beloved wife of Federico A. Büttner, Sr. (RIP), and daughter of Gabriel and Trinidad Stahl of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. She was a loving and caring mother to Gabriela, Maria Myrna, Federico Jr. (RIP), Adriana, Alberto, Maria, Ilse, Carlos and his wife Xochitl, Paola, and Carolina and her husband John. Myrna was the caring sister and sister-in-law of Gabriel and his wife Martha, Dan (RIP) and his wife Cristina, Arturo (RIP), and Patricia. Myrna was a dear aunt to Ian, Erika, Dan Christopher (RIP), Christine, and Tony. She was a very proud and loving grandmother to three granddaughters, four grandsons and one great-granddaughter.

Myrna was born on October 4, 1936 in Mexico City, Mexico. She attended Elementary School and later graduated from Miguel Angel College, where she studied Commerce. She made lifelong friendships during her school years and kept in contact through long-distance calls and beautifully written letters. Growing up, Myrna lived in a residence within the motion picture studios owned by her grandfather. Throughout her life, Myrna was an ardent listener of music and radio. She would listen to radio shows, news and sing and hum along to her favorite Mariachi music, Mexican classics and 1940’s and 1950’s ballads. Music was a familiar friend throughout her life and in the years of her illness, as it provided calm, comfort and memories of her beloved parents, husband and country. Myrna also loved to read and research topics of interest and loved to share her findings.  She was very talented at designing, sketching and drawing. We, her children, have many sticky-notes, cards, letters, reminders and dedications that our Mom lovingly wrote. Her love was expressed in her words and the many hearts and drawings she included in her writings along with her beautiful penmanship. Myrna learned to cook from her beloved Mom, and she developed her own ways and flavors. Daily she prepared delicious meals for her family and, in Mexico, Sundays were always special to her as extended family gathered for dinner. Myrna always made sure that family and visitors alike were welcomed in her home.

At 14 years old, Myrna met the love of her life, Federico Sr. Theirs was a love story that included serenades, many love letters, a shared faith of God and deep mutual respect which was evident throughout their marriage. They were married when Myrna was 17 years old and she embraced married life and, one year later, motherhood. She was happy to make and maintain a warm and loving home for her husband and children while being supportive and enduring the challenges of time and finances. Her family was her priority and she made many efforts to ensure her children were healthy, happy, busy and ready for school. She sacrificed so much of herself, her time and her sleep.

Myrna was a devout Roman Catholic who showed the strength of her faith in many different ways. She and Federico Sr. ensured that their children were brought up with faith, love, respect, kindness and to know the difference between right and wrong. Many of these lessons were taught by their example. Myrna taught her children to pray and she prayed with such ardent devotion and faith. In challenging times, it was her words of advice, of faith and her reassuring “it’s all going to be alright, you’ll see” that really did make the sun shine a little brighter.  She was comfort. She was warmth and love. She was home. She was Mami. 

The family moved to Canada in 1976 and settled in Regina, Saskatchewan.  It took a lot of courage and faith for Myrna to agree to make the move.  She made a great sacrifice for the good of her family and a better life for her children. In all of her years, she spoke of her beloved Mexico with such love. She left her mom, extended family and a home that she and her husband had built, lived in and loved. Myrna continued to care for her family and her home in Canada and faced the challenges of her new environment. She learned English on her own through reading, television shows and the English spoken by her children. She always loved the peacefulness of the early morning and would often take walks around the neighborhood.

Myrna enjoyed travelling and visiting new places.  She treasured various trips with her husband and family including road trips to Mexico City, California, New York via the Maritimes, as well as to Texas. There was an extended trip throughout Europe, a landmark cruise on the Queen Mary 2, a son’s wedding in Zacatecas and a trip to Cancun and Merida, Mexico which she enjoyed immensely. She also travelled to Calgary and Vancouver to visit with family, attend the ordination of her eldest son to the priesthood, to attend a daughter’s wedding and many special milestone and blessed family occasions.  

After the passing of her husband, Federico Sr., in 1988, Myrna continued to be a strong anchor and the head of the whole family. Myrna, our Mami, was always a constant source of love, patience, kindness, support and perseverance. She was our secure place, our inspiration, our hero.  She was adored, admired and highly respected by all her children.

Myrna battled a long illness and was able to remain in the comfort of her own home together with her children caring for her. The period of illness was very difficult and challenging with her decline apparent with every year, but she always knew that she was surrounded by family and her grandchildren brought her such joy. Her family and her faith were a constant for her.

The family would like to thank everyone who inquired about her, who has sent up prayers for her and wished her well. We also thank all medical professionals who supported and cared for her throughout the years. We ask for your continued prayers for the repose of her soul.

Myrna is survived by her nine loving children, brother and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, and nephews and grandchildren.  She was predeceased by her Grandparents, dear Parents, Brother Dan, Aunts, Uncles, Nephew Dan Christopher, Cousins and most recently her eldest son, Reverend Father Federico (Fred) Jr.

A Private Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, September 4, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. A recording of the service is available below.

A Memorial Mass will be held at a future date in celebration of Myrna’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Archdiocese of Regina (Archregina.sk.ca Archbishop’s Appeal), The Heart and Stroke Foundation or The Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.

The Büttner Stahl Family