Dorothy M. Butler

Dayville, CT - Dorothy M. Butler, age 99, of Dayville, CT, formerly of Holden, MA and Woodstock, CT, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026, while being held by her son, Wendell P. Butler III.

Born and raised in Worcester, MA, Dotty was the daughter of the late Nicholas and Clorinda LaConte, and was the ninth of ten siblings. Growing up she was affectionately known as 'Wiggles', and that sassy walk and joyful stride matched her ebullient personality for her entire life. She met the love of her life, Wendell P. Butler, Jr., 'down the lake' at Lake Quinsigamond. Even though he showed up for their first date in a zoot suit that she thought was awful - prompting her to immediately take him clothes shopping so it would never happen again - they were married in 1954 and shared a remarkable 58 year partnership until his passing in 2013. After his death, her beautiful love story continued as she wrote to him in diaries every single day.

Most of their married years were spent in Holden, MA, where Dotty was legendary for bringing high energy to her kids' sporting events, even humorously tormenting judges and referees. She always had snacks and food at the ready for any visitors, whether human or four-legged. Together Wendell and Dotty were truly best friends, enjoying everything together - especially gardening, traveling, bike riding, long walks, and spending time with their family.

Dotty was a rarity in that she grew long hair in her 90s, forsaking the pixie cut that had been her signature for most of her life. Her snow white hair color was truly beautiful and the envy of all. More than three years ago, she enjoyed a wonderful 'Act Two' when she relocated from a lovely apartment at her son's house in Woodstock, CT, to the Westview Independent Senior Living Center in Dayville, CT. At Westview, she quickly became the belle of the ball and Miss Popularity, making new friends and sprinkling joie de vivre everywhere she went. Almost reaching a 100-year lifespan, Dotty belonged to that precious category of a 'super-ager'. She was a Super Wife, Super Mom, Super Nana, and a Super GG, and will be remembered fondly by anyone who ever met her.

She is survived by her son, Wendell P. Butler III and his wife Beth Butler of Woodstock, CT; two daughters, Claudia Ezra and her husband Neal Ezra of Atlantic Beach, NY; and Heidi Butler and her husband Gary Didio of Plymouth, MA; four grandchildren, Alexander, Natalie, Sophia, and Wendell IV; two great-grandchildren, Oliver and Gemma; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00PM, October 17, 2026, at Miles Funeral Home, located at 1158 Main Street, Holden, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dotty's name to: St. Joseph's Indian School, PO Box 100, Chamberlain, SD 57325-0100, or to any veteran charity of your choice.