Bettye L. "Boots" Bouterse, age 95 of Port Saint Lucie, Florida, passed away on the morning of Tuesday June 2, 2020. Born to the late Mary Ellen and Arthur T. Maher at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida on February 16, 1925. Bettye graduated from Miami Edison Senior High School and worked for Western Union for most of her working career. She lived in Miami for over 90 years and spent the last few years in Port Saint Lucie, close to her son, Jim and Grandchildren.
Bettye is predeceased by her older brother, Arthur W. "Art" Maher of New Jersey. Art was also a graduate of Miami Edison Senior High School. He played football for the high school and was honored to score the very first touchdown in the Orange Bowl. Art was a WWII Army veteran who was stationed at Pearl Harbor on December 7,1941. Bettye is also predeceased by her wonderful husband, Harry S. Bouterse Jr. Harry was in the Navy during WWII and was a City of Miami Fireman for 28 years. They were married for over 52 years.
Bettye is survived by her son, James A. Bouterse (wife Donna) Port Saint Lucie, FL. Grandchildren: Deborah (Scott) Neubert of Port Saint Lucie and Karen Bouterse (Elvis Arevalo) of St. Cloud, FL. Great Grandchildren: Austin Peaslee of Port St. Lucie, Alexis Bouterse and Kristine Arevalo of St. Cloud, Fl
Great Great Grandchildren: Mason Peaslee and Ella Peaslee of Port Saint Lucie, FL. Nephews: Wayne Maher, Neil Maher and Niece: Ellen (Dennis) Watson all of New Jersey.
Bettye enjoyed RV camping and especially attending Church, School and Sporting events involving her Grandchildren. She was active in Dade County Council of Campers and she and Harry volunteered with the City of Miami Police Department's Citizens on Patrol. Bettye and Harry also shared a deep love for dogs including, Chichi, Quito, Lucky, Princess, Jaime, Lobo, and Rusty to name a few.
The family would like to express our gratitude to the Assisted Living Facilities where Bettye resided in her later years. Their caregiving staff was always kind. The Lynnmoore, Ft. Pierce, The Peninsula in Hollywood, FL, especially The Brennity Staff, Comfortcare and Vitas Hopice Care.
Bettye requested a small memorial service to be held at Caballero Rivero Funeral Home at 3344 SW 8th Street, Miami, Florida 33135. Services are scheduled for Saturday June 13th, 2020 at 11:00 AM. Burial to follow at Flagler Memorial Park, 2:00 PM.
