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DEBORAH BUTTERWORTH Obituary
DEBORAH S. BUTTERWORTH 1937 ~ 2017
Of Washington, DC, Deborah Schimmel Butterworth passed away on Saturday, February 18, 2017. She was born September 5, 1937 in Springfield, MA to David and Beatrice Schimmel. Deborah graduated from Springfield's Technical High School before going on to Michigan State University for her BA in Fine Arts, where she was also a proud member of Delta Gamma. She continued on to the Alliance Fran��aise in Paris, and finally to the University of Chicago where she received her master's degree in art history. Deborah had lived in Washington, DC since 1967, where she was a beloved French teacher at Georgetown Day School. An avid traveler and a talented musician her entire life, she remained an active member of the New Horizons Band. Deborah is survived by her husband of 53 years, Charles E. Butterworth, as well as her daughter, Gabriella B. Genia; son-in-law, James H. Genia Jr.; granddaughter, Madeleine; and brother, Philip Harris. A graveside service will be held at Sinai Memorial Park in Springfield, MA, 12pm on Wednesday, February 22. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Georgetown Day School, Advancement Office, 4530 MacArthurBlvd. NW Washington, DC 20007. For further information please visit AscherZimmerman.com
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Memories and Condolences
for DEBORAH BUTTERWORTH
Loubna Youssef
February 18, 2025
Debby, RIP.
You are still loved and remembered.
You gave me a blue bracelet. I love it and wear it often.
Loubna Youssef
February 14, 2023
I met Debby for the first time with Charles and Gaby in 1980 when I was studying at the Graduate Institute, St. John's College, Mexico. Since then we met often in Cairo and DC. All the members of my family, my parents, brothers, later my husband and my friends met the Butterworths on very many occasions. She invited me and my husband to the comfort of their home and she always loved the times we spent together in Egypt.
In 1983 when I studied at College Park, Maryland, I spent days with the Butterworths until I found a place to stay near the university. I will never forget the joy she felt when I warmed up the peta bread on the stove: she exclaimed: "This smells like Egypt."
You are deeply missed, Debby. RIP
Heloise Dupont-Nivet
February 14, 2023
Dear Debby, you are not forgotten, I still think about you every day,
Heloise Dupont-Nivet
March 17, 2017
I miss Debby, 'ma petite voisine' as I called her. She was a good and fun friend. She had a lovely voice, a great sense of humor and a great yearning for laugh and happiness. Her manners were of an other era, I savored it all in her company.
March 16, 2017
From high school to the present, Debbie was always a close friend to our family. A special person and dear friend. Rest in peace and condolences to the family.
Tom Moylan and family.
Lisa-Marie Monsanto
March 15, 2017
Debbie: You were such a very special person. I will miss you always. Rest in peace my friend.
Barbara Bitner
March 7, 2017
I'm so sorry to learn that we have lost Debbie. She was such a wonderful teacher and devoted member of the GDS community. I will certainly miss her. Much love to Gaby.
Adrienne Cannon
March 4, 2017
Debbie's death was a surprise to me as we spoke by telephone a short time ago. We never did have that coffee date we planned.....and I am so sorry to have missed that time with my charming friend.
To her family: please notify Windjammers Unlimited so her circus band friends will be made aware of her passing.
Peter Bechtold
February 28, 2017
Very sad news to learn of Debbie's passing. I knew her from the late '60s and '70s as a kind, funny, friendly and intelligent lady. She and Chuck were among the smartest couples I have known in DC, a wonderful hostess and great conversationalist. RIP
Ken and Pam Williams
February 27, 2017
We were so sorry to read this news. Long time friend...but had lost touch. Our condolences.
Hugh and Marilyn Robinson
February 27, 2017
We were very sorry to hear of Debbie's passing. We met through Charles' running club, the Hash. Most recently, we unexpectedly ran into Debbie, her trumpet in hand, in the airport; her band was welcoming WWII vets coming on special flights to see the WWII memorial.
Our condolences to Gaby and all the family.
Susan Ikenberry
February 25, 2017
Debby was a good friend. She was loyal and sensible, and SO talented. She played wonderfully,and she was a fund of information on so many topics.She as a good cook, a charming hostess, and a devoted mother.She was so proud of Gaby and her beautiful granddaughter. I shall miss her always.
Freeman Palmer
February 24, 2017
I am grateful for having been in Debby Butterworth's French class at Georgetown Day School. She was an exceptional teacher and person who touched many lives, including mine. Teaching was not merely a job for Debby; it was her vocation and calling. My deepest condolences to her family and friends.
Lynn Squire
February 24, 2017
It's been many years since Debby became my friend, neighbor in Foxhall Village, and remarkable teacher to my son, Matthew, at GDS. I have thought of her so often in the years since my move to North Carolina. I think she would have been delighted that Matt and Ali have recenly moved back from Los Angeles to give another generation of Squires the gift of GDS. I regret that I never got the opportunity to let her know. My deep condolences to Charles, Gaby and family on your great loss. Debby was a very special, compassionate woman who brought laughter and gentle kindness to all who knew and loved her. May her name be for a blessing.
Lois
February 23, 2017
Gaby- my thoughts are with you and your family. Such lovely memories of you mother are shared here- your mother was well loved. Deepest condolences to you all. Lois
Daven, Jen, Katelyn & Tommy Doobay
February 23, 2017
Gaby. We are sorry to hear the sorrowful news of your mother's passing.
As you grieve, know that our family is remembering you and honoring the memory of your mother.
Andrew Orchin
February 23, 2017
My favorite teacher of all time. Always the happiest, most positive person in my sometimes difficult life as a teenage boy. Thank you for everything you did for me Debby! You are one of a kind and will be missed by all the students you taught.
Alice Haber
February 23, 2017
Dear Chuck and Gabby,
I remember you all from many years ago, and I just wanted to extend my sympathy to you both.
Susan Newborn
February 23, 2017
I just read of Debby's passing in the Temple Sinai Wednesday email. Although I never met any of Debby's family, I want you all to know how grateful I am that I got to know Debby. We met several years ago at a Women's Seder and became friends. Although we only got together intermittently, we had some wonderful times together and shared laughs and deeper issues as well. I miss her already and send you, her family, my deepest condolences.
Laura Rosberg
February 23, 2017
My dear Gaby:
My heart is broken. How I will miss your mother. I can't imagine the shock you must be feeling; and how hard for you to lose a mom and for Little M to lose a grandma so early. All my love.
Loubna Youssef
February 22, 2017
RIP Debby. So many happy memories come to my mind and heart with Debby in Cairo, at St. John's College in Santa Fe and in the warmth of her home in Georgetown. Debby will be remembered for her love of life and the generosity of her spirit. May God give Charles and Gaby the strength to bear the loss.
February 21, 2017
Chère Gabrielle, je te présente mes sincères condoléences.
Nooman Kacem
Nooman Kacem
February 21, 2017
Debby was a good friend and colleague. I will cherish all the years we worked together.
Nooman Kacem
Aicha Kacem
February 21, 2017
Debby was all my students favorite sub for French. She made them laugh and enjoy learning. She will be missed and remembered for her friendship and kindness.
Aicha Kacem
Alejandra Borensztein
February 21, 2017
Debby was my adviser at GDS over 15 years ago, she always made time for me,whether it be for lunch, laughter, or to help get through a difficult time at school, she will be sorely missed.
Juanita Irving
February 21, 2017
Thinking of you Gabby:) U were blessed to have a fun, sincere, loving, witty, and brilliant mom who positively touched the lives of many people!!
February 21, 2017
Debby you will be missed! She sub for many of my Spanish classes the last years. Muchas gracias amiga, Descanza en PAZ!
Ximena Suarez
Wendy Leibowitz
February 21, 2017
I was shocked to read of Debby Butterworth's death. She was such a joyful, vivacious teacher! She kindled a love of French in me despite French grammar and spelling. She also was able to tolerate our adolescent humor--she had a great sense of humor herself. Somewhere in heaven, she's teaching French to a rowdy group of American kids. I was so, so lucky to have her as a teacher at Georgetown Day School.
February 21, 2017
R.I.P., Debby! She was such a wonderful person--A gentle, encouraging teacher with a wonderful sense of humor that livened up our classes and made them a joy. She touched so many lives and we're all better for having known her
Amy Jeffress
February 21, 2017
Debby was a great teacher and wonderful person. We will miss her.
Walter Ailes
February 21, 2017
Debbie graced the rather shabby GDS (in the early years) with her style and substance. She was a strong woman who represented her discipline and her values with strength and beauty. I am so sorry for the loss, and my heart goes out to the family. Thank you for the gift of her at the school for so many years.
Marti Weston
February 21, 2017
You made the world a lovelier and more elegant place, Debbie, and you never gave up when you were challenged!
Bruce Ruble
February 21, 2017
A wonderful person and a wonderful friend for 40+ years.
Colleen Meade Moynihan
February 21, 2017
Deborah was a big part of my life from junior high school and high school. We shared many musical moments and memories. Her grace and intelligence will be missed.
De Vitkova
February 21, 2017
My heart goes out to Gabby, Jim, Madeline, and Charles for their profound loss. Personally, I am deeply saddened by the loss of Debbie. I will miss her humor, intelligence, charm and talent. The Washington community is diminished.
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