Marilyn M. Butler

Marilyn M. (Carr) Butler, 78, a resident of New Haven, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2016 at the Connecticut Hospice. Marilyn was born in New Haven on April 8, 1938; she was the beloved daughter of the late Frederick L. Carr, Sr. and Muriel (Russell) Carr and the wife of the late James Doyle Butler, Jr. Marilyn was a lifetime resident of New Haven and a graduate of New Haven Public Schools. Marilyn received a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Connecticut State University and earned additional credits toward her master's degree. At an early age Marilyn was stricken with Multiple Sclerosis. The disease only increased her desire to help others. In 1983 Marilyn created the self-help group called S.E.L.F., which interpreted means stimulation, effort, living and future-all attributes necessary for people coping with M.S. In addition to forming her group, she enrolled in South Central Community College and studied Human Services. While attending South Central she was appointed by Mayor DeLeito to the Commission on Equal Opportunities serving from 1980-1985. Marilyn also served as a member of the Handicapped Transportation Committee for the City of New Haven. Marilyn secured employment as a neighborhood worker at the Dixwell Legal Rights Association. In 1990 Marilyn was honored by the Dixwell Community House Alumni Association, Inc. with the 'William Douglass Citizen of the Year Award' for her community service. Marilyn was an avid music lover, especially jazz, and a physical fitness buff. Marilyn is survived by her sons; James Doyle Butler and his wife Janice of Hartford and Philip Arnold Butler of New Haven; daughter Jeannine Muriel Butler of Branford; brother Frederick L. Carr, Jr. and his wife Verna of Wappingers Falls, NY; two granddaughters; six great-grandchildren; and two nieces. Marilyn's family would like to extend a very special thank you to the nurses and CNAs at Madison House as well as the nurses at Connecticut Hospice. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Marilyn's family on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 from 9:00 a.m, to 11:00 a.m. in the Dixwell Avenue Congregational United Church of Christ, 217 Dixwell Ave., New Haven. A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. in church. Burial will follow in Beaverdale Memorial Park, New Haven. Please join the family for a repast at the Dixwell Avenue Congregational United Church of Christ.