Marjorie Butcher

1925 - 2016

Marjorie Van Eenam Butcher died on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 6, 2016, in residence at Avery Heights in Hartford, CT. She was 90 years old. Marjorie was born on July 24, 1925, in Jackson, MI, to Weltha McLachlan and Neil Van Eenam. A brother, Donald Neil Van Eenam, was three years her junior. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Michigan in 1947, Marjorie also received an M.A. in actuarial mathematics from the University of Michigan in 1949. In 1956, she was hired at Trinity College in Hartford, CT, where she was the first woman to serve as a member of the faculty. She earned a full professorship in 1979, again the first woman granted this distinction at Trinity. After serving the college for 33 years, she retired as professor of mathematics in 1989. Respected and beloved, Marjorie remained an active member of the Trinity College community for another 25 years. Trinity College recognized Professor Butcher with an honorary doctor of science degree in 2009. Marjorie was predeceased by her husband, Robert Ward Butcher, in 1993, and by her brother, Donald, in 2005. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Maxine Van Eenam; her nephew, Peter Van Eenam; a niece, Carol Van Eenam; and two grandnieces, Jennifer and Kathryn. A memorial service and interment will take place at the Trinity College Chapel at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Trinity College, 300 Summit Street, Hartford, CT 06106.