Joan Denise Butler

August 3, 1924 to September 14, 2022

Obituary

To view the funeral service for the late Denise Butler on Wednesday, September 21st at 11 a.m., please follow the link below:

https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1663345528208478

Passed peacefully away on September 14, 2022, aged 98, our beloved and beautiful British war bride mother.

Born in Swansea Wales, Denise was predeceased by her parents, Glynn and Daisy Fuller, husband Gordon Francis Butler, sister Thelma and brother David.   Her life is celebrated by her children, Wendy Phillips (Doug), Gillian Butler (David McKay) and Mark Butler (Sharon), grandchildren Geoff Phillips (Sheri MacDonald), Jason (Kim) Phillips, Rachel Peaker (Sean), Heather McKay (Brad Cheater) and Ian McKay (Nicole), her twelve great grandchildren Shaelyn (R.J.), Kyle, Joel, Jenna, Josh, Serena, Noah, Ava, Claire, Evelyn, Paige and Maria, sister in law, Heather Fuller and her children David, Elise and Nicholas, niece Denise Richardson, nephews Frank (Loretta) and Peter (Mary) Butler in Atlantic Canada as well as other nieces and nephews on our father’s side of the family in the United States.  The family acknowledges our mother’s most special neighbours and friends, John Neville and Veronica Walker.

Denise dedicated her life to her family, church and volunteer activities. After she was widowed at 42 years of age she worked as the Executive Secretary for the Institute of Chartered Accountants where she assisted students in their advancement through the program. She viewed this job as an extension of motherhood and excelled at both.  Denise received the designation of Honorary Chartered Accountant on her retirement.

Our mother was loving and inquisitive, courageous and determined with a wicked sense of humour. She lived her life with dignity and compassion for others and we have all learned much from her example.

Many thanks to Laura Morgan and the devoted staff at Admiral’s Coast Retirement Centre (particularly great grand daughter, Shaelyn) for their wonderful care of our mother over the last two years.

Cremation has taken place and at her request, there will be no visitation. All are welcome at her memorial service which will take place at Carnell’s Chapel on Wednesday September 21, 2022 at 11:00 am followed by a reception there and a private family internment at the Forest Road Cemetery later in the afternoon.  Donations in her memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Schedule

funeral

11:00am, Wednesday September 21st

The Carnell Memorial Chapel
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map

Reception following funeral service at Carnell's


Condolences

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Gillian and family I only just learned of your Mom’s passing and wanted to pass on my sincere condolences. Her obituary was so insightful when talking about her motherly instincts. Your Mom was always “Mrs. Butler” to all us CA students and we loved her dearly. Always one to go out of her way to keep us from stumbling by gently reminding us of upcoming deadlines and generally leaving ng us with a sense that she genuinely cared. We were so fortunate to have known such a wonderful lady.

Gillian Dave family and friends I am so sorry to hear about your Mom Grandmother condolences 💐 to you all..‘’It’s the hardest thing in life to lose ‘’Thinking of you all at these very sad time ‘’love Cindy

Gillian Dave family and friends I am so sorry to hear about the your loss of your Mom Grandmother condolences 💐 to you all..‘’It’s the hardest thing in life to lose ‘’Thinking of you all at these very sad time ‘’love Cindy

To Gillian,Wendy and Mark and families. I just learned of your Mon’s death and was very sorry to hear of her passing. I did just watch the online service which was lovely. Denise was one fantastic woman, fierce in spirit and always having that wicked sense of humour that all our war bride moms seemed to possess. You were lucky to have her with you for so long and may all those wonderful memories carry you through your grief. She will be missed. Much love.

Anne

Gillian, Wendy and the Butler family, I am so sorry to hear of Denise’s passing. During my years on the CA program, she was always a reassuring supporter. I think she thought of all of us as her children. I was delighted to see her again in recent years, at events celebrating my niece Joanne and Doug and their children. I will always remember her fondly.

Ramona

Nan Butler/Grandma Butler was one of the most amazing women I ever met! From her stories to her singing to her funny/ sarcastic sense of humor she was so very special to everyone who knew her. She adored her family as they did her! I am so happy that I was lucky enough to spend a lot of time with her throughout the years and learn so many interesting things about her life. She will always hold a special place in my heart ❤️

Lots of love to all of her family,
Lisa

I met Mrs. Butler 50 years ago when I started work with APACA just after the the CA education programs were merged.. Mrs. Butler was such a friendly and helpfull lady. Althouth I left after 4-5 years, I think of her periodcally. My sincerest condolances to her family.

Gillian and Family
Sincere condolences to all.
I had the pleasure of meeting your Mom on a couple of occasions…she was such a lovely lady.
A lot of memories to be shared and stories to be told I’m sure!!!!!
Mary

Dear Gillian, Mark, Wendy and family,

I am thinking of your gallant mother today who was such an anchor in your family. Her love, care and devotion to her children – and you to her – is a testimony to her and your happy legacy.

Jan, Rob and family

To Wendy & Family
Sincere condolences to you and all your family on the death of your Mother.

Marilyn Manthorne

To Wendy, Gillian, Mark and families,
We were very sorry to hear of the death of your mother, I remember her from our days at Bishop Spencer. She often gave me a wave as I passed by picking up our children at Brinton Memorial. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Anthea (Facey) and Michael.

Thinking of you all. Wish I could be there to celebrate the life of such an extraordinary person.

To Gillian ,Wendy & Family
Please accept our deepest sympathy on the passing of your mom.I had the pleasure of working with her for a number of years during my involvement with the Institute.She was a wonderful lady who provided support not only to me but to all who were members of the Institute.If you had any problem she was the person to help. And she always did.I know you all have great memories of her. To help get through this sad time.
Don & Dorothy Warr

So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing.; 98 is a great age but doesn’t lessen the hurt. Take care of each other.

Dear Wendy and family. I. I would like to offer my condolences to you and your family during this difficult time Many good memories from our childhood ..Sincerely. Eileen. Maunder Walsh

Gillian and family . Our heartfelt condolences to you and the family. Mrs . Butler was a lovely lady who kept us young C A students on the straight and narrow by ensuring we had our lesson plan filed on Monday morning. Many CA’s including myself owe our degrees to this warm and kind lady. .
Please take care and I know you I guys have wonderful memories to cherish.
Gerald Taylor CA

Our sincerest condolences. Mrs. Butler was a bright light for the Institute of Chartered Accountants throughout her career. We know that our legacy CA members greatly appreciated her. We wish you comfort and courage at this difficult time.

– Jason, Kim, Kathryn, Nancy, Melissa and Dianna

On behalf of my Mother and myself, please accept our sincere sympathy on the passing of your Mother. Mrs Butler and Mom shared a long friendship as fellow war brides and Altar Guild ladies.

John/Jack and the Butler family:
Sending sincere condolences on the lost of your very special friend, the Duchess.
I met her once at one of your birthday parties.
I feel like I know her, thru you, Jack. You always spoke very fondly of her.
Take comfort in the fact that she had a life well lived and long lived with you as her friend..
❤️
Mary

Gillian, Wendy and the Butler Family,

I was saddened to hear of the passing of your mother. May you take great comfort from your memories of a life well lived, Please accept my sincere condolences

Sincere condolences on your Mother’s passing. She was a wonderful woman and I really enjoyed our visits.

Wendy, Gillian and Mark,
So sorry to hear the sad news about your mom. Please accept our sincere condolences and know that we are thinking of you and your mom with fond memories .

Doug, Wendy, and Tracey

So sorry Justice to hear of your mother’s passing. She certainly had a wonderful, long and fulfilling life. My deepest condolences to you and your family.

Gillian and family

Sincere condolences on the passing of your mother.
I am one of the group of old CAs that she took under her wing and remember our times together very fondly.

John Courtenay

Gillian, Mark, and family

Please accept our condolences upon the passing of your lovely mother.

Heidi and Dick Janes

I was sad to hear Mrs. Butler has passed away. I am among the flock of Chartered Accounting students who pursued the accounting designation during her tenure.

I will always hold her in high regard and continue to be thankful for her guidance.

To all of the Butler family my deepest condolences.

Raymond Hopkins

Gillian, Dave, and the Family,
Sincere Condolences on the loss of a remarkable Matriarch. She was so kind and generous to many of us who passed through your lives; how fortunate you are to have had her presence for so long. R. I. P.
John Andrews

Sincere condolences to Denise’s family. We knew her through activities at St. Augustine’s.

Denise [ The Duchess ]

I met Denise about 30 yrs ago and shortly afterwards we became best friends and soul mates

My valued memories include the many picnics we shared on the Avalon and elsewhere in Newfoundland
They were in true British style . The basket included sandwiches ,scones and cookies galore served with jam and clotted cream And the tea of course All laid out on a beautiful English table cloth with English China and cutlery
It was just like the Queen had many times at Balmoral in Scotland

Later on John McGuire of Ireland joined us during his visits
We became known as ‘’ The Three Amigos ‘’ ’ And she penned these Sagas
with Eloquence and detail . She had an excellent way with the words
John McGuire enjoyed immensely receiving her letters
We began calling her our Duchess

At the age of 90 we travelled to Ireland a lifetime dream which came true
We travelled throughout the country enjoying all its beauty, its magnificent
Scenery its people and History which was explained to us in detail by our
very knowledgeable tour guide and friend Ciaran

Denise was truly a marvellous lady who enjoyed her family, friends and all
Things that make life’s journey so precious and enjoyable

I cherish her friendship and memories which will be with me forever

To all her extended family and friends I say
We are so blessed for having shared
her life with us

May she Rest In Peace

John N.

For many reasons, it was a real privilege to have known Denis Butler. She conducted her life in a no-nonsense fashion with both dry wit and remarkable courage. After the loss of her husband, she stood firmly facing her challenges and did what needed to be done to raise her three children on her own in a foreign country. Even in her 90’s, she was not someone who allowed herself to be left out. Always “turned out”, it was a pleasure to visit her and, of course, to be given some of her epic date squares.
To her family, I am sorry you have lost her but grateful you had such a person all this time.

Dear Wendy. Gillian and Mark,
We all knew this day would come….but we are never ready to receive the news of a loved ones passing.
Auntie Denise had spirit, spunk and gutsy determination. I remember her telling me she had to teach herself how to type just days before an all~ important job inter.view…..and, of course, she got that job! Even though her earlier years were fraught with challenges and tribulations (coming to a new foreign land as a war bride and becoming a widow at such an early age with three young children), she lived the last part of her life engulfed in a multitude of blessings.
Most notably, her beautiful, strong and compassionate family were always by her side offering love, support, care and companionship.
I will always be grateful to Auntie for stepping in to help my father when my mother(Auntie’s sister) suddenly passed away when I was only two months old. I loved going to visit her, playing with my fun and cool cousins and I so enjoyed her amazing baking and stories. My last trip to Newfoundland three years ago, was no exception. Auntie Denise did not show any signs of getting ready to knock on heaven’s door. Her birthday party was a grand event, where she was surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who came to partake in her celebration. It was so obvious how loved and respected she was as her presence commanded the room……..and, of course, she was dressed to the nines as she always was. She was definitely a fashionista!
I relished telling my friends about my 98 year old auntie who defied time, norms and societal expectations. She was living her life marching to the beat of her own drum. She did have a lot in common with the Queen and in fact, I believe she chose to go with her.
Auntie’s greatest achievement in life, although she had many, was raising her three, beautiful, successful children. I was so touched by the devotion, love and respect they have shown to their mother and their unfailing commitment to her up to her last day on this earth.
Auntie will live on in her children, grandchildren and great~grandchildren. Her legacy will never die.
I’ll catch you on the other side Auntie. In the meantime, enjoy your wings and happy reunions up there…..especially with my mother. Thank you for everything…..
Much love….your niece Denise(named after you).

On behalf of John Mc Guire & all the Mc Dermott families here in Galway, we would like to express our sincere sympathies to Wendy, Gillian, Mark, all the extended family & her good friend John Neville, on the passing of Denise. John Mc Guire has very cherished memories of his time on holidays here & in St. Johns with his friends John, Margaret & Denise, the lady he called the Duchess. A remarkable woman who lived a very full life, she will be remembered fondly here in Galway by us all, especially by John Mc Guire. May she rest in peace.

To all the family my deepest condolences. Miss Denise you have touched so many in your lifetime. I miss the morning routine with you. As soon as I walked in you would say oh my thanks be to goodness it’s you and you came to help me. I would do it all again you have touched quite a few hearts. Rest in Peace you beautiful soul.

Wendy, Gillian, Mark and families.
Veronica and Steve Walker, Harry and Andrew Adams send you our sincere condolences on Denise’s passing. .
She truly was a remarkable lady and was a delightful presence wherever she went. She will be remembered with fondness. Kindest regards to you all.

We send along our most sincere condolences to all of Mrs. Butler’s family and friends at this very sad time.

Wendy, Gillian, Mark and Families

Sending along our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your cherished mom.
It was our pleasure to have known Mrs. Butler. We thoroughly enjoyed each and every moment spent in her company. She was very entertaining, utterly charming, incredibly witty, and had a genuine sense of humour.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Ruth and Tommy Clarke

Gordon and Denise Butler were lifelong neighbours of our family on Strawberry Marsh Road. We hold many fond memories going back decades. I would like to express our sincere sympathy on Denise’s passing to the Butler family.
From the Adams family
. Harry Adams

Gillian & family,
I had the pleasure of meeting your Mom, Denise many years ago, a most interesting & interested woman. She transcended age & circumstance so a conversation with her was like talking with a dear friend. We had many long phone & in person chats.
Our love of the Hello magazine bonded us as I shared them with her & she in turn shared them with other friends. Not sure what I will do with them now but I shall think of her every time I get one in the mail.
Stories about Denise generally include humour , I am recalling the “Case of the Missing ( stolen) Bananas”.
She had count right but somehow they disappeared, Wendy was accused but Gillian was the culprit. 😂
Her love for her family was reciprocated back to her. I so admire the devotion she was shown & deserved.
She will surely be missed but never forgotten.
Love to all of you,
Eleanor

Gill and the Butler family
We were sorry to hear of Mrs Butler’s passing. While she was blessed with a long and fulfilling life, family and friends that loved her and life experiences that gave her a wisdom and understanding that few of us will ever really know, we share sadness in her passing. .Mothers make an indelible mark on our lives. They mold, direct and support us through the ups and downs of life. Mrs.. Butler was special in so many ways and we cherish times that we were able to enjoy her company. . We share your loss and want you to know that our thoughts are with you and the family this week. May rich memories sustain you in the days ahead.
Much love
Frank and Celeste

Our sincere condolences to all the family on the passing of your mother, grandmother & great grandmother.

Gillian and family. So sorry to hear of you Mom’s passing. She is fondly remembered by so many CA’s from her many years at the institute office. You were blessed to have so many years with her. Sending my thoughts and prayers.

Gillian, Wendy, Mark and family my deepest condolences on the passing of your loving Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Mother-in-Law. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time..

Maureen O’Neill

My condolences on your mothers passing. My prayers for her soul to rest in peace and for the family to have the strength to bear this loss. I have fond memories of time spent with her.

Our condolences to the Butler family. I worked very closely with Mrs. Butler during the years I was involved with The Nfld. Institute of C.A.’s. She helped guide me through those years with knowledge, wisdom and humor. She never hesitated to give her opinion which was usually spot on. She had a great sense of humor and a great laugh to match.
I’m sure she leaves many great memories.

Our sincerest condolences. She lives on in the love that you have with your strong family connections.

To the family of Mrs. Butler, “Grandma”
So sorry for your loss of such a beautiful lady. We will miss your beautiful smile and your great sense of humour! It was a pleasure to spend some time with you last week, helping you get ready for Shaelyns big day. You will always be remembered xo

I am so so sorry to hear of Mrs. Butler’s passing. I met her several years ago in Corner Brook though her daughter Gillian. I have mentioned many times how wonderfully intriguing I found her. An encyclopedia of knowledge, of wit and of character. I shall not forget her and always enjoyed a grand chat with her whenever I came to St. John’s in the following years. I was blessed to know her as I always believed and felt she was truly the matriarch of the family. To Dave, Gillian, Heather and Ian, her grandchildren and extended family and friends, you certainly have my sincerest condolences. I am certainly praying and thinking of you during this difficult time.

Dear Gillian
So sorry to see your mom’s obit. I have fond memories of her guiding the institute back when I was a young young member. Reine and I offer our sincere condolences to you and your family

Wendy and Family,

Deepest sympathies on the passing of your dear mother. I miss our chats at the super and the connection over the years. The war brides had a wonderful community of ladies and many interesting stories.

May the many memories gathered over a wonderful long life help to keep her close in your hearts always.

Rob & Heather Pittman

Wendy and family,
Sincere condolences on the passing of your beloved mother. It seemed that Mrs. Butler was always part of our lives as our families met through war brides gatherings in early years. Also being Wendy’s mom when we attended school together. I especially remember her amazing baking. Later it was always a joy to see her at the War Brides luncheons. She always had a story to tell and had such wonderful humour. Thinking of you and how much you will miss her.

On behalf of table 14, we are so very sad to lose our senior diner who we all enjoyed in our 90+ year club at Admirals Coast.
“Grandma” was the much admired Matriarch of our table. Her British traditions and wit were much admired. We miss her now and will do for some time to come. Denise was a person not to be ignored or forgotten.. Her fun stories of her life and those of her family, especially the youngest additions, will remain in our memories.
My deepest condolences to her entire family.
Catherine Halliday

Gillian, Wendy and Mark and families. Heartfelt condolences on the passing of your dear Mom. Gillian, I have many wonderful memories of chats with your Mom when we were in her presence at your home. Such a wonderful lady. So many wonderful memories she has left for you all to cherish. Wade and I are thinking of all of you and you are in our hearts.

Wade and Lynn

To the Wendy, Gillian Mark and Family,
We were so saddened to learn of Mrs. Butler’s passing.. Deepest sympathies and condolences to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. at this most difficult time.

Wendy, Gillian, Mark and family

Deepest condolences on the death of your mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Mrs Butler was, indeed, a beloved matriarch, who embodied strength, determination and dignity.
She was admired by many who had the good fortune to know her and spend time with her

You will miss her dearly

Wow -what a super Executive Secretary who really directed the Newfoundland CA profession & Council during her service- A very wise and distinguished lady keeping her intelligence for all of us “Students in Accounts”-We will miss her greatly.

Arnot Coish MBA, CPA-CA (74)

To the Butler family, Wendy, Gillian and Mark as well as the extended families. My thoughts are with you all at this very difficult time. Your mom was such a beautiful and kind lady , it was my pleasure to have known her. .
May your memories keep her close in your hearts.
Hugs to all.
Debbie

Condolences to the Butler family. Saying goodbye to someone is always difficult no matter their age. Your memories will keep her alive in your hearts.
Hugs to everyone,
Phid & Shirley

Gillian and family,
My condolences on the passing of your mother. My mother was also a war bride who , like your mom, came here in 1946 to marry the man she loved. I grew up in a veterans land area surrounded by wonderful women from across the UK. I may have met your mom if she attended the Blue Moon lunches in the 1990s. They were truly amazing women! My deepest sympathies on her passing..

My condolences on you mother’s passing. I remember her very well from growing up on Strawberry Marsh Road.

To all the families our deepest condolences at this difficult time. May she Rest In Peace.

Condolences on the death of your Mother. What a grand old age.

Mrs Butler lived a wonderful life devoted to her CA students and the work of the CA institute.

She loved her students as much as she loved her own family and was always there to help us as we moved along through are accounting careers.

It has been a while since I last saw her but I will never forget her kindness and cheerful uplifting spirit. God bless her wonderful soul.

May she R.I.P.

Cherish the bounty of wonderful memories she leaves behind to each of us.

To The Butler Family and Extended Family Members,
Please accept my deepest condolences in the passing of Mrs. Butler. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Mrs. Butler, it was a pleasure to have met you at ACRC. I will miss your smile, laugh, and of course your wave that you would use to get my attention. I have enjoyed our chats and of course our laughs together. Heaven has gained another Angel. RIP Mrs. Butler and fly high with the angels.

Wendy and the Butler family. Sincere sympathy on the passing of your mother. What a wonderful age and awesome life. May Mrs. Butler rest in peace.