Theresa S. Butler

Waterford — Theresa S. Butler, 97, of Waterford entered eternal life Jan. 7, 2024, at home. She was born March 28, 1926, in New London the daughter of the late Santo and Rosalie (Piro) Sammataro, who were first-generation Americans.

Theresa attended local schools in New London and graduated from the former Williams Memorial Institute. She worked as an operator for the former Bell Telephone Co. for many years. She was predeceased by her husband, Griffin Butler, in November 1998.

Theresa was very social, a people person. She loved entertaining at home with family and friends. She was a gifted athlete, as a champion golfer at the former New London Country Club, and bowler. In her retirement, she became a great baker and cook. She will remembered for her fun, lovely spirit and high energy, always ready for the next adventure.

She will be remembered and missed by all of us who loved her most and knew her best. May she rest in peace for eternity. She was a communicant of St. Joseph Parish in New London.

She is survived by her niece, Judy Bongiorno and husband, David Beller, of Massachusetts; a great-nephew, Aaron Beller, and his wife, Laura Sweeney; and a great-great-nephew, Caelan Beller. She was predeceased by three siblings, Josephine Bongiorno, Angelo Sammataro and Anthony Sammataro Sr.

Family and friends are to gather for a Mass of Christian Burial at noon Thursday, Jan. 18, in St. Joseph Church, 149 Montauk Ave., New London. Interment will be in St. Mary Cemetery, New London. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Hartford Healthcare at Home Hospice. The Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave., New London, has been entrusted with her care.