Theresa K. Butler, 86, of Essex, beloved wife and precious mother, passed away peacefully at home on Sept. 29, surrounded by her family who love her dearly and carry her still in their hearts and minds.
Terry was born in Meriden on May 2, 1935, to John and Catherine Amoroso (Scattareggia) of Catania, Sicily.
She graduated from Meriden High school and St. Agnes School of Pediatric Nursing in West Hartford. She worked in the maternity ward at Meriden Hospital until she married.
Terry married her high school sweetheart, who won a bet amongst his friends to be the one who got to ask her out. They were married 62 years. Theresa worked with her husband at the third-generation, family-owned business Butler Paint and Decorating Co., and at several medical offices over the years.
She was a devout Catholic, attending daily Mass for most of her life. She was an active parishioner of Our Lady of Sorrows for more than 35 years as a eucharistic minister and a member of the Women’s Guild and Third Order of Mary.
She raised her children with love and humor in Meriden and Cornfield Point, Old Saybrook, where she made many joyful memories with her family and dear friend Joann Civitillo.
Terry had an indomitable spirit, teaching herself tennis, how to cane chairs, vegetable gardening, and canning. All who knew her loved her. Her smile and upbeat nature was infectious and her wit was spot on. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and wife and will be missed beyond measure.
In addition to her husband, John J. Butler, she is survived by her three children, John (Dodie) Butler of Dallas, Texas, and Katherine Butler and Elizabeth D’Amico, both of Essex; two grandsons, James D’Amico and Maximilian D’Amico; her sisters Lucy Meoni, Millie Zaleski, and Joanne Kennedy; her brother Anthony Amoroso; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her sisters Josephine Amoroso, Mary Stevens, and Rose Nessing and son-in-law Wayne D’Amico.
A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20, at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Parish of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, 14 Prospect St., Essex. To share a memory of Terry or send a condolence to her family, please visit www.rwwfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook.
