GEORGIANA BUTLER

BUTLER, Georgiana Mary
1928 - 2015
Georgiana Mary Butler (née North) died while swimming at her favourite lake, an activity she loved. At 87, she was still living life to its fullest. The daughter of Muriel North and the Honourable John North, she grew up with her mother in Norfolk, England. Like her mother she loved the Norfolk coast, particularly the marshes, and in recent years divided her time between Cley next the Sea and Ottawa. Her daughter Clare lives in Cley and as recently as this June, they spent time together birding, walking the dogs and gardening. As a young woman, she moved to London where she met her future husband, Esmond Unwin Butler. Shortly after marrying, they moved to Ottawa where Esmond took up his position as Secretary to five consecutive Governors General starting with General Vanier. At Rideau Hall, Georgiana served as Lady-in-Waiting, a role she filled with competence and dedication. In 1986, Esmond became Ambassador to Morocco, a country Georgiana loved exploring and learning about. Shortly after they returned to Ottawa to retire, Esmond died, ending a full career dedicated to his country. Mum/Ayat/ Gee/Mrs. Butler was loved and respected. She was a great personality and could be refreshingly forthright. Her passions were many: birding, gardening, cooking, entertaining, embroidery, mushrooming, x-country skiing, swimming and ping pong. She had a true and innate enthusiasm for people and life. Georgiana is survived by her brother, Sir Jonathan North and sister Dr. Serena Colchester; son Mark (Gretchen) and daughter Clare; and grandchildren Abush Dapore Mills and seven month old Lucy Georgiana Catherine. Pictures of her children and grandchildren were everywhere in her home. There will be a Funeral Service for Georgiana at St. Bartholomew's Anglican Church on Saturday, August 29, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. followed by a reception at her house. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Ecology Action Centre or the environmental charity of your choice would be appreciated.