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IRENE MARIE BUTLER
Born: Mar 30, 1923
Date of Passing: Aug 19, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryIRENE MARIE BUTLER
Surrounded by family, our beloved mother and grandmother Irene Marie Butler passed away peacefully on August 19, 2025, at the age of 102 at Seven Oaks Hospital, Winnipeg, MB.
Irene's parents Suzanna and Octave Andries immigrated from Belgium to Manitoba and farmed in the area of Mariapolis. Raised on the farm she learned to be industrious and developed a love of nature. Inspired by God's creations, Irene wrote poems about flowers, animals, birds and love. Her house was decorated with inspirational verses and scriptures, highlighting the importance of being kind, polite, respectful and loving.
Moving to Winnipeg in her late teens, Irene met the love of her life Oliver “Tony” Butler. They married in 1941. Expecting their first child, Oliver was sent overseas during the Second World War. After his safe return to Manitoba, their family expanded to include five children. Irene and Oliver’s love, resilience and resourcefulness carried their young family through those challenging post-war times.
Irene was predeceased by her parents, her husband and a son Allan Butler. She outlived other close relatives including her sister and brother-in-law Germaine and John Bonnot; sister and brother-in-law Lauraine and Frank Bussell and a brother, Alexander Andries.
She is lovingly remembered by her children Richard (Linda) Butler; Susan (Rocco) Di Fonzo; Linda Hough; Arthur Butler; ten grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.
All who crossed paths with “Grannie Irene”, as she referred to herself, will remember her kindness, cheerful smile and giggle, her generous nature and hospitality. She had a knack for making everyone feel special and loved and that drew people to her. She never had an unkind word for anyone. She demonstrated a grateful attitude even through difficult times.
She had a creative flare and would make things beautiful even with very little. She loved music, often listening to her favourite tunes during the evening. She loved to dance and could even yodel. She dug into educational books to keep on learning throughout her life and even in her later years tried her hand at creating beautiful coloring books she proudly shared with family and friends. Family will cherish memories of home-cooked dinners, her famously delicious yeasty buns and pies, especially Boston cream and lemon meringue.
Irene will be deeply missed. Irene leaves an inspiring legacy of gratitude, love of God and Jesus, generosity, goodness, kindness and respect.
Thank you to the staff of unit 7, 5th floor, Seven Oaks Hospital, and the homecare aids who cared for Irene in her later years.
Donations can be made to a charity of your choice.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 26, 2025
