Obituaries
Cathryn Maria Garcia Butler, 72, formerly of Middlebury
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — With great sadness, the family of Cathryn Maria Garcia (Duany) Butler announces her peaceful passing on Jan. 22, 2025, at the age of 72. Cathryn was surrounded by her loving family as she left this world, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and cherished memories.
Cathryn was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who will be deeply missed. Fondly remembered as “small but mighty,” she had a quick wit, a way with words, and a kind yet straightforward demeanor that endeared her to all. An avid reader, Cathryn was known for her ability to finish a book in a day. She found joy in quilting, gardening, watching home improvement shows, taking scenic drives, game nights, and most of all, spending time with her family.
Born Sept. 2, 1952, in Burlington, Vt., to the late Jean Marie (Young) and Orlando Jesus Garcia Duany, she was the second of four children. She grew up with her older brother Michael and younger sisters Susan and Anne. Cathryn married her high school sweetheart, Stephen Robert Butler, on Oct. 20, 1972. Their love story began at a Vergennes Union High School dance when they were just 15 and 17 years old. They enjoyed 52 wonderful years of marriage.
Cathryn graduated from the University of Vermont with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. During her senior year, she was pregnant with their first son, Matthew. Despite skeptics doubting her ability to graduate, she persevered, excelling in her studies and proving them wrong. Cathryn delighted in sharing how she passed some of her classes without opening a textbook and only attending for exams. Cathryn lived a life defined by love, determination, and resilience.
After graduating, the couple lived on the family dairy farm in Middlebury, Vt., before relocating to Norman, Okla., for Stephen’s architecture studies at Oklahoma University. During their time in Oklahoma, they welcomed their second son, Morgan and made some lifelong friends.
Eventually, the family returned to Vermont to be closer to relatives. At the age of 37, Cathryn gave birth to twin daughters, Erin and Caitlin —a milestone that became known as “the time before and the time after the twins.” A steadfast supporter of her children’s endeavors, she was a familiar face at countless sporting events and hockey games, always cheering them on. Cathryn drove hundreds of miles to and from rinks across New England and Canada.
Cathryn’s 48 years of nursing experiences ran the gamut from hospital care to psychiatric facilities, nursing homes to nursing instructor. School nursing was where she excelled, nurturing and caring for her beloved students. She was known to unofficially adopt students each year. She retired from the Middlebury School District in 2022.
Cathryn is survived by her beloved husband, Stephen, and her four children: Matthew, Morgan, Erin (Ryan) Leroux, and Caitlin (Keith) Hoiland; and her cherished granddaughter, Abigail Hoiland. Cathryn was predeceased by a son, Nathan (stillborn).
Cathryn’s legacy of love, humor, and determination will live on in our hearts. She will forever be remembered as a woman who defied the odds and embraced life with courage, strength and grace.
A memorial service will be held to honor Cathryn’s life at a later date, in Vermont.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, reflecting Cathryn’s compassionate and generous spirit. ◊
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