Ann Butler

Ann Butler died peacefully surrounded by her 3 children on February 12, 2025.  She was born July 18, 1940 in Fanningstown, Piltown, County Kilkenny Ireland to Anne Murphy (née Denn) and John Murphy.   

After completing primary school in Owning, Piltown, Ann was awarded a scholarship at the age of 16 to the Rural Science Economy School Co. Longford to start a career in butter making, an impressive accomplishment for a young woman in 1958.  She immigrated to New York City at the age of 22, a natural whiz with math and numbers she landed a job at Chase Manhattan Bank on Wall Street then continued her career balancing books at Kingsbridge nursing home in the Bronx.

As luck would have it, she met Roddy at a Kilkenny Association dance in NYC in the 1964. They married in 1967 and moved to Woodlawn, Bronx, NY where they raised their family for almost 50 years. Ann was very involved in St. Barnabas Parish, she was a Cub Scout leader, softball coach, seamstress for school plays, volunteer, and overall, she cared deeply for her family and lifelong friends.  Ann was a member of the YAGAW golf club for over 20 years where she met a wonderful group of women.  She was a loyal friend to many and balanced her sharp Irish wit with her compassionate nature.  Mom’s courage and strength has always been rooted in faith.

Ann was also a brilliant and insightful artist.  At a young age she developed a love of knitting and needlework, a talent passed down by her gifted mother.  She left her legacy through many Irish sweaters, blankets and beautiful paintings that will be cherished.  She often said, “while sitting by the fireside at night, there is nothing as satisfying and healthy as knitting”.

Ann is predeceased by her husband, Roddy; brother, Jack and sister, Maude. She is survived by her 3 children, Patrick (Julie), Christine (Michael) and Denise (John); 7 grandchildren, Michael, Aimee, Connor, Matthew, Katie, Maggie and Libby.  She was also a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews both here and in Ireland.  She was well loved and will be sorely missed.  

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Barnabas Church, 409 E. 241st Street, Bronx, NY on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM, followed by a lunch at Rory Dolans, 890 McLean Avenue, Yonkers.  Her children welcome all to celebrate her beautiful life. 

Ann will be interred in County Kilkenny, Ireland next to her loving husband, Roddy.  

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