Frances Loretta "Rita" Butler
September 23, 1932 to April 21, 2023
Obituary
The funeral service for Rita Butler will be livestreamed for those able to attend.
Please click HERE to find the link
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beautiful mother, Frances Loretta (Rita) Butler, at the age of 90 years old at the Agnes Pratt Home.
Mom was born on a beautiful autumn day to Arthur and Eva Lundrigan in Upper Island Cove. She grew up with her siblings, Verdun, Victor, Jack, Clyde, Bert and Paula, on Long’s Hill and Monchy Street in St. John’s. She later met our dad, Neil Butler, to whom she was married for over 65 years.
Mom is predeceased by her parents, siblings, husband, as well as her loving son Arthur.
Leaving to mourn with beautiful memories are her children, whom she loved with all her heart, Diane Collins, Sharon Follett, Rosalind (Jim) Robertson, April (Monty) Stead, Neil (Judy) Butler and Lisa (Harold) Rowe. Her 15 grandchildren, Shawn Follett, Jason Collins, Steven Butler, Joanne Follett-Chafe, Robyn Thistle, Lori Rideout, Kari Hentzelt, Adam Stead, Amy Robertson, Rebecca Robertson, Scott Collins, Evan Robertson, Colin Butler, Hilary Rowe and Sophie Rowe. Her 17 great-grandchildren, Blake, Cole, Jack, Cailey, Ryan, Julia, Lindsay, Saraya, Melanie, Benjamin, Xander, Roen, Lucas, Aurora, Ana, James and Juniper.
Mom loved to sing, knit, play cards, fish and have fun. She had a wonderful and witty sense of humour up until the day that she passed. Laughing, making other people laugh and sharing stories were her strengths. Her greatest love in life were her children. She considered raising her children her biggest accomplishment. We were her purest joy and she always put us before herself. A mother’s love is truly a blessing.
The family will receive visitors at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Thursday April 27 from 2 -4 PM and 7 -9 PM. The funeral will be held at the Carnell Memorial Chapel on Friday, April 28 at 11AM with a committal to follow at Kenmount Road Anglican Cemetery.
We will miss her forever.
“I’ll be seeing you in all the old familiar places.”
Neil, Lisa, Diane, Sharon, Rosalind and April, So sorry to learn of the loss of your beautiful mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time..
To all the Butler family.
saddened to hear of your Mom’s passing.. She was a very witty lady who played a mean game of 120’s.
it puts a smile on my face and a tinge in my heart when I recall the times in her company ..Keep the memories close ..Elaine ( Hann)
Dear Ros and family, I am so sorry about the passing of your darling mother. You have many fond memories of her and she will forever be in your heart. When you look at your children and grandchildren, it will be comforting to know her legacy of love will continue. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
xo Karen
Rita was always so warm and sweet over the years I would visit her with April. My fondest memory is when she talked about how wonderful it is to become a mother. Her eyes lit up with love talking about “when you first get that little baby in your arms”. It was so sweet and I now know exactly how she felt. A true testament to how much she will always love her children.
Sending love, prayers, and healing from Toronto
Rosalind and all your extended family, I want to send you my sincere condolences.. I lived streamed the funeral service and what a beautiful send off to your mother it was. An incredible lady who was very proud of her children and grand – great grandchildren. You’ve inherited her love of song and character you are blessed. Once again sending love and sympathy to you..Heather (Starkes) Janes
So sorry to hear of Aunt Rita’s passing, she was a lovely lady and we know she will be missed by all who knew her.
She is with her siblings now and her beloved husband and son, and all the other angels she touched who passed before her. Take comfort in knowing that she is in a better place and at peace.
To the whole family we leave our heartfelt sympathy. Remembering you all in special ways and that smile always greeted us. You were neighbours at one point in time and we are thinking of you tonight with fond memories!
Diane, Sharon, Rosalind, April, Lisa and Neil. So sorry to read about your moms passing. It’s never easy losing a beloved parent such as Rita. Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease and I know too well how it effects the family as I lost my dad to the same.
I know she was loved beyond measure by all of you. She was a very special lady. Gary and I loved our many card games spent with your mom and dad. When we played on Saturday night , no matter if she was winning or losing come midnight she would lay the cards down and refused to play beyond that as it was Sunday.
I know how much she loved to sing and now she is singing with the angels. Hold your memories close and know your mom will always walk beside you.
Our deepest condolences to you all. Much love Gary and Wanda
I am so very sorry for the loss of your precious mom. I have so many fond AND funny memories of her, she had such a great sense of humor. Both your parents were always welcoming of the kids on the street. Loved playing in “Butler’s Field” and listening to your mom singing in the kitchen while we were sitting on top of the shed. Hold tight to the lifetime of memories she left you.
My Sincerest Condolences to the Butler family. I will always treasure the special memories I have of your sweet mother.
Sincere condolences April from myself and Barry during this difficult time.
Barry & Lisa Clarke
April and family. Monet and I extend our deepest condolences on the passing of your beautiful mother. Blessings and prayers .
Rosalind Jim Amy Rebecca and Evan I am sorry for your loss. I know you will help each other through this difficult time. You are a great family.
Lisa and Harold
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Take care
Wendy and Derm Ennis
Lisa and family,
I am saddened to learn of the loss of your beautiful mother, may she eternally rest and may you all hold dear the sweetest of memories.
Diane, Sharon, Rosalind, April, Neil, Lisa and families,
So sorry to hear about Aunt Rita’s passing. Sending much love and sincerest condolences to all of you at this sad time.
Denise and Gary
Very sorry for the loss of dear Rita. I remember her from many years ago on the Southside when all of you were Littles. I would run into Rita over the years, and she was the same sweet lady. RIP Rita
April and the entire Butler family. We are sorry to hear of your MOM’S passing. She was a very strong and loving person. May the Angels sing her home.
Roz and family, sending sincere condolences to you on the passing of your mom, hold all your beautiful memories close to your heart,
Just the loveliest lady one would want to know. A smile when we remember Rita of long ago. It’s been a few years since we saw Rita, yet we are left with such happy feelings of sharing many good hearted laughs, having a game of cards.
And for sure, she was a woman who felt deeply and who was so proud of her family.
Such good memories she has left us. We will never forget her. Hugs to the family.
Sweetapple family
Dear Ros and Family,
What a lovely tribute to your Mom! May your grief be balanced with bittersweet memories of the joy you shared with her. Our heartfelt condolences.
Kathy and Graham
Condolences to all family and friends of Mrs./ Butler–(Special mention Sharon, whom we have not bumped into in quite some years)Our thoughts and prayers are there for you at this trying time–God Bless- Jim/Wife Nelia Campbell St.. John’s- NFLD–
So sorry to learn of Mrs. Butlers passing. I have some fond memories of her when the family lived on Craigmillar Avenue. May all your wonderful memories help you through this difficult time.
So sorry for your loss Lisa. She seemed like such a beautiful soul. May the memories keep you comforted in the days ahead..
Dear Sharon and the rest of the family,
I was heartbroken for you to learn of the very sad news of losing your precious Rita. I wish to express my deepest sympathies to all.
It is obvious that you are a very close-knit family and that Rita was the foundation of it all. The lovely written obituary gives the reader a glimpse into the personality of Rita. She definitely understood the meaning of being a nurturing and humble woman who gave pure love in every situation. Like bees to honey – she gave the necture of life. A rare diamond indeed and a beautiful soul.
I know it was very poignant of you to be with her during her final day. And that she could feel the love shown back to her by the truckloads.
May you get needed comfort in knowing that she is at peace in heaven and has earned her status as an angel. She will definitely be greatly missed yet she will always be remembered and carried in each of your hearts as each day unfolds. She was a wonderful role model who instilled the importance of family and commitment on a continual basis throughout her life. And I know that those values are embedded into each of your own lives.
Your photos, family get-togethers, and conversations are treasured keepsakes tucked in your hearts forever. The bond that you shared will always be cemented in your hearts and carried with you wherever you go. She knew that you adored her.
Remember you gave her the best – your time and your life – for these are the greatest gifts to give.
I wish I was there in person to help out through this difficult time.
I will definitely be watching her service on Friday.
I send much love, many warm hugs and prayers in all that you need. Please take care and know that I am thinking of you all.
Carol Ann
April and the whole Butler family. Max and I are truly sorry for your loss. Nothing can ever prepare us for the loss of someone so special and so close, even if they have lived a long life. Max and I have been privileged to witness the love and dedication you all had to your Mom, Grandmother and Great Grandmother and how much she loved and took pride in all of you. Your successes are her successes, and she has left a strong legacy of love, dedication, kindness and caring. She knew she had allot to be proud of and you have a great life to celebrate.
Rest well Rita Butler
Ros, Jim and Family. So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was a very lucky lady to have so much love from her family. Sending deepest condolences to you all.
Jayne and Rob
Please accept our deepest and most sincere condolences.
Condolences to the family, and love from out west.
Stacy & Roen
To all the Butler family our sincere condolences of the passing of your precious Mom..I have so many fond memories of her growing up on Craigmillar Ave across from all of you..Big hugs to each and every one of you. May she RIP..Love Linda (Tiller) Moores
To Diane and all the Butler family,my deepest sympathy on the loss of your mom, grandmother and great grandmother
Ros, Jim and the Butler family:
We are saddened to learn of the passing of your loving mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad occasion. May the comfort of family and friends and all of your fond memories help to ease your sorrow. God bless!
Sylvia and John
My thoughts are prayers are with all of you as you grieve the loss of your loving mom.
I have many special memories of your mom from the days she lived on Craigmillar Ave.
Your mom was always so kind and welcoming.
Rest in Peace, Mrs. Butler.
To April and Monty, the Butler family and all the loved ones of this beautiful lady
No matter the age, losing your Mother is a very sad and emotional experience.
We hope that the many beautiful memories of times you have shared will remain with you always, while bringing a smile to your face and a gentle warmth to you heart.
In sympathy and friendship 💐
Donna and Greer