Obituary of Priscilla G. Butler

Priscilla A. (Gifford) Butler, 79, of Charlton, MA and formerly of Dudley, MA, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2024, at The Overlook in Charlton, MA. Priscilla was born in Putnam, CT on April 26, 1944, daughter of the late Harry and Ruth (Aldrich) Gifford.

Following graduation from Putnam High in 1962 she worked at Risom Manufacturing in Grosvenordale. She then had a career, working in various positions at American Optical Corporation in Southbridge, MA, retiring as an accomplished human resource professional. In retirement, Priscilla pursued and perfected her many hobbies including quilting, knitting, basket weaving, coin collecting and genealogy. As a member of the Killingly Historical Society, and other genealogical organizations, she developed thorough backgrounds for many founding families of Northeastern CT. Her work can be found in collections at The Godfrey Memorial Library in Middletown, CT, the New England Civil War Museum, as well as other organizations. Priscilla served her community as a member of the Dudley Conservation Land Trust, and you could always find her raising funds at the Black Tavern Historical Society. She loved God and her church family as a member of the Woodstock Evangelical Covenant Church.

Priscilla was pre-deceased by her husband of 36 years, David G. Butler, with whom she shared many of her community pursuits and a great love of the New England Patriots. Also predeceased by her parents, and sisters Virginia Kesaris and Jean Sanchini. She is survived by four stepchildren, Deanne Lins of Georgetown, TX, Carolyn McMahan of Spruce Head, ME, Jennifer Hatch of Newburg, ME, and Randall Butler of St. George, ME. She is also survived by her sister, Sara G. Parker, and many devoted nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the 4 th floor nurses and staff at The Overlook in Charlton, MA for their compassionate and dedicated care of Priscilla while she was a resident there. In lieu of flowers, donations in Priscilla’s name may be sent to one of the organizations she was a member of. The Dudley Conservation Land Trust or the Woodstock Evangelical Covenant Church.

A Celebration of Life Service will be May 17, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the Woodstock Evangelical Covenant Church, 24 Child Hill Road, Woodstock, CT. The burial will be private at Elmvale Cemetery, Woodstock, CT. Share a memory at Smithandwalkerfh.com