Ellen “Lillie” Theresa Butler passed away at Calvary Hospital, Bronx, NY, on February 24, 2020, after a long, courageous battle with cancer. She was 84 years old.
Lillie was born November 13, 1935 in Pullathomas, Belmullet, Co. Mayo, Ireland to Patrick and Bridget (nee Doucey) Philbin. When she was just 18, Lillie moved to New York City, where she met a dashing US Army soldier, Christopher Butler, who also happened to be from Ireland, Birr Co. Offaly. They married April 30, 1960 and enjoyed 59 wonderful years together traveling the world, surrounding themselves with family and giving to others. In addition to being predeceased by her parents and husband, Lillie was predeceased by sisters Maureen Hayes, New York and Nancy Ginnelly, United Kingdom; and brother in law Mike Ginnelly, United Kingdom.
Lillie is survived by sisters Sheila Casserly, New York; Patricia Collins and Agnes McLoughlin, United Kingdom; and brothers in law, John Casserly, Jim Hayes, Sean McLoughlin and Joe Collins. Lillie is also survived by many cousins as well as nieces and nephews, near and far, all of whom Lillie and Chris treated as if they were their own children. Lillie, along with her husband Chris, were often considered angels on earth as they were the epitome of generous, kind and caring individuals. Lillie will be sorely missed by many, including the Friday Night Gang at Silvio’s Restaurant and their regular prayer group meetings.
Viewing hours will be on March 1, 2020 from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Riverdale on Hudson in the Bronx, NY. A funeral mass will be held Monday, March 2, 2020 at 9:45 am at St. Margaret of Cortona, located at 6000 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx NY. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be sent to American Cancer Society P.O. Box 22478 Oklahoma City, OK 73123.