For 66 years, Jerry and Judie Butler of Saratoga built a life together, raising three children, sharing adventures and creating lasting memories.
When health challenges separated them for several weeks, with Jerry, 86, hospitalized at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose and Judie, 83, receiving specialized care in San Francisco, their family wondered if they would have the chance for one more moment together.
But when Judie was transferred to Good Samaritan, the hospital’s care team quickly stepped in.
Nurses and staff worked tirelessly to reunite the couple, eventually arranging for them to share the same hospital room.
And, late in the evening, March 26, they reconnected.
“It was just a moment of silence,” said Suzanna Villa, a Good Samaritan nurse who helped organize the reunion.
“They gazed at each other, smiled, reached out and held hands, and they just started crying.”
A week later, Jerry passed peacefully with his wife and family next to him.
Jerry, a former merchant marine, engineer and local developer, was described by staff as full of life, even in his final hours.
Despite his frailty, his eyes lit up at the sight of his beloved wife.
The Butler family says they are forever grateful that Jerry’s final moments were spent surrounded by love, with Judie at his side.
At Good Samaritan Hospital, staff say, often it is the small, personal acts—beyond the medical treatment—that make the greatest difference (not just for patients, but for their families, too).
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The Butlers’ story is a powerful reminder that, even in life’s hardest moments, love endures.
Good Sam officials say they always try to keep family members close, especially during moments of serious illness or end-of-life care.
“While every situation is unique, our care teams work with compassion and flexibility to reunite loved ones whenever possible,” a spokesperson said.
“We believe being together provides emotional support and uplifts their spirits in ways that can help with their healing and comfort.”
