Elizabeth “Lee” Butler (nee Kirby), age 78, passed away peacefully October 9, 2023, with family and friends by her side. A lifelong New Jersey resident, Lee was born in Passaic and raised in Rutherford, where she spent most of her life before moving to Wayne in 2001. Lee was predeceased by her parents, Gerald and Veronica Kirby, and her husband, Thomas Butler, to whom she was married for 45 years. She is survived by her two children, daughter Michele Stekler (husband Scott) of Glen Rock, NJ, and son Shawn Butler (wife Xiomara) of Acworth, GA.

Lee is also survived by her three loving brothers, Gerry Kirby, John Kirby, and Bob Kirby, devoted sister-in-law Barbara Kirby, and many beloved nieces and nephews. And she absolutely cherished time with her dearest friends from the William Paterson University Health and Wellness Center, Nancy Ellson, Pat McEntee, Emma Dickey, and Karen Hilberg.

A proud graduate of St. Mary Hospital School of Nursing in Hoboken, Lee was a passionate registered nurse who dedicated her life to helping others. After working decades in hospitals, Lee specialized as a substance abuse nurse, sharing her talents and compassion with those in recovery. When she retired from nursing, Lee soon became a very popular volunteer at the Wayne Public Library.

A two-time breast cancer survivor, Lee was a lover of cats, especially her Sammy and Pio. She also enjoyed mystery movies, The Young and the Restless, reading, doo-wop music, Rummikub, and bus trips to Atlantic City with Tom. But above all, she loved and lived for her two grandsons, Zachary and Lucas Stekler, whose warm and tender place in her heart brought her the greatest of well-deserved joy. 

Family will receive friends Thursday Oct. 12th from 4:00 to 8:00pm at the Calhoun-Mania Funeral Home, 19 Lincoln Ave., Rutherford.  Funeral Friday gathering 9:00am for a 10:00am Prayer Servie at the funeral home.  Interment Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Breast Cancer Foundation at abcf.org or a local animal shelter of your choice.