Annabel Painter

Annabel Brose Painter, née Healey, passed away peacefully on Nov. 15, 2015 in Quakertown, PA after an extended illness. She was born on 10 Nov. 1921, on a snowy day in Chickasaw, PA. One of six siblings, she spent most of her childhood in the Natrona Heights area, arriving in Butler in 1940 as a young married. She spent most of her adult life here, where she raised her children and, with her husband Lloyd, was instrumental in the establishment of Brose's Superette. She moved to Saxonburg late in life. While in Butler, she was active in Butler Hospital Women's Auxiliary, Butler Junior Women's Club, Alpha Society, and her two bridge clubs. She was an avid bridge-player and reader, dabbling also in ceramics and golf. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Annabel also worked as a teacher's aide for the Butler Area School District. Annabel suffered a debilitating stroke in 2003, which left her wheelchair-bound and speechless, a grim situation which she faced with courage, determination, grace, and above all, good humor. The last 12 years of her life were spent in a nursing home in Quakertown, PA. Despite her inability to speak, she somehow managed to cheer those around her with her incredible good humor. Annabel will be missed. Surviving her are her five children: Karen Brose Esslinger of Ambler, PA; Georgia Brose Roessler of Mystic, CT; Mary Brose Tull of Coopersburg, PA; John Brose of Sarver, PA; James Brose of Pittsburgh, PA; three grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by her first husband, Lloyd J. Brose, and her second husband, William J. Painter. There will be a celebration of life at noon Fri., Nov. 27, 2015 in Jeffrey A. Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, 135 W. Pumping Station Rd., Quakertown. Calling hour will precede the service from 11am-12pm. Burial is private, at the convenience of the family.