Marie Boettcher

Marie Boettcher, 85, passed peacefully into the loving arms of her Lord on May 4, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. Marie was a vibrant and beautiful soul who knew no strangers. She loved meeting new friends, hosting festive social events and serving others. She was very active in the Wellspring Methodist Church in Georgetown, Texas supporting numerous activities.

Marie was an awesome cook and loved to entertain and feed people. Her dishes at various potluck events and suppers were always a favorite. The family table was always full at holidays as, a military wife, Marie welcomed single and lonely service members to share in holiday festivities. Marie was always looking to help others and bring a ray of sunshine where she could.

Marie was born and grew up in in St John’s, Newfoundland, Canada on October 4, 1937 to Herbert and Florence Nightingale Yetman. She was the 5th born of 10 children and now joins her parents and five of her siblings Jack, Bill, Trixie, Wayne and Marguerite in heaven. Her surviving brothers and sisters include Sheridan and his wife Evelyn of Mount Pearl Newfoundland, Canada; Kevin and his wife Dorothy of Trenton Ontario, Canada; Bette Symonds and her husband Neville of Trenton Ontario, Canada; and Marilyn Dixon of Simcoe Ontario, Canada. The entire Yetman clan are the most amazing family, full of love, laughter and service to all around them.

Marie has always been a leader and very involved in social activities. An early example was in high school her cousin sent her a cheerleader outfit from a Memphis, Tennessee school. With that, Marie started a cheerleading program and was the first cheerleader at her parochial high school in St John’s!

Marie fell in love and married Charlie Boettcher, Jr at the young age of 17 while Charlie was stationed at the US Air Base in St John’s. Early in their marriage they welcomed two children Charlene and Carl. For the next 56 years she lived the life of a military wife moving all over the US and Europe. In the 1960’s Marie held down the home front raising their two children while Charlie served three tours in Vietnam. While Charlie was in Vietnam, Marie set down roots in Austin, where they chose to reside when Charlie retired from the Air Force in 1971.

After retiring from the Air Force, they owned and operated several Texaco service stations in South and North Austin--back in the day where you really received ‘service’ with your gas. Their final venture was “Starters” on Austin Ave in Georgetown from 1988-1992. Through these businesses they touched and helped so many people.

In the early 80’s Marie was also the executive secretary for one of the largest law firms in Texas and then handled the bookkeeping responsibilities of the family businesses in the evening, all while being a wonderful mom as well.

After Charlie died in 2010, Marie was devastated. It was then that she received the best advice of her life. She was advised to seek out a grief group and kindred spirits. It was in that group she found the absolute love of her life, James McCrain. It was clear to everyone who saw them that this was a divinely blessed relationship. They celebrated life together for 12 precious years, enjoying each other and exploring the world. Total strangers would stop and ask to take pictures of them as they simply sparkled with love and joy!

The last three years have been very difficult following several illnesses and then the ugly grip of dementia took hold. James, a true angel on earth, stood by Marie taking care of her and sharing every moment of joy they could. She left this world holding tightly to his hand.

Marie, a wonderful partner, loving mom and dear friend, will be sorely missed by so many including her love James McCrain of Georgetown, TX; her daughter Charlene Boettcher Young and her wife Patty Young of Cedar Mountain, NC; and her grandson, Eddie Walter of Pittsfield, MA; as well as her son, Carl Boettcher and his wife Petra of Leander, TX; and her grandson Scott Blauen and wife Christina of Leander, along with two beautiful great grandchildren.

We would like to share our deepest gratitude to the staff and residents of the Tiffin House Assisted Living & Memory Care in Georgetown. The care, graciousness and love from everyone in her final days is deeply appreciated. Marie, our mom, was an absolute force of nature and a very bright light. She will be dearly missed. Fly, Fly away home…

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Caring Place, Meals on Wheels, or Wellspring Methodist Church.

We invite you to share your fond memories of Marie in our memory book to keep your love and memory of her alive.

A memorial service for Marie will be held Tuesday, May 9, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Cook-Walden Davis Funeral Home, 2900 Williams Drive, Georgetown, TX 78628.