Eileen Butler

Eileen Hudson Butler passed away on July 23, 2025, surrounded by her sons just five days shy of her 94th birthday.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, July 30 at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament in Roseland, NJ at 11:00 AM. Funeral Services are entrusted to Shook-Farmer Funeral Home, :Roseland, NJ. Condolences and memories may be shared at shookfarmer.com.
Born in Belleville, NJ in 1931, Eileen was raised with her sister Lois by her loving parents, Edna and Jack Hudson. They grew up in a tight-knit working class neighborhood where everybody knew everyone. Eileen would regale our family with stories of how wonderful it was to be "raised by a village," growing up surrounded by friends and family.
Despite her deep roots in Belleville, Eileen's introduction to her soon-to-be husband, Bob Butler, whisked her out of her hometown and into married life in 1956. They started out together in a garden apartment in Bloomfield, moved to Cedar Grove shortly thereafter, and then to Essex Fells in 1967, where they would spend the next 55 years. Bob and Eileen had three sons - Chris, John and Tom - who were all raised in "the Fells."
As the boys grew older, Eileen and Bob threw themselves into Essex Fells' very active social life, where Eileen made friends and family the center of her life. Her tight circle of friends all enjoyed cooking, decorating and entertaining. Throughout this time, Eileen remained a devoted and hard-working wife and mother as well as an accomplished cook and hostess.
As the boys left for college, Eileen entered the work world where she became one of the top realtors for Weichert in the greater West Essex area. She truly loved her work and plied her love of decorating and eye for potential to sell a lot of homes. After Bob retired, Eileen left the real estate world and the two began to enjoy their next chapter by spending summers on Nantucket and traveling.
More than anything in her life, Eileen loved her family and friends and remained devoted to them throughout her life. While she loved life on Nantucket in the summer, home was where her heart remained. She loved connecting with everyone in her life through dinners out, life at Montclair Golf Club and family dinners. Eileen often remarked on how much she enjoyed her life - from a magical childhood to a "charmed life" with her husband, Bob.
Eileen was known for her elegance, good humor, friendly nature, unfailing good manners, devotion to her faith as well as her kindness and generosity to everyone she met. She took special pride in the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren -- who will all cherish their memories of her.
Eileen was predeceased by her husband Robert C. Butler, her parents, Jack and Edna Hudson and sister, Lois. She is survived by her beloved children, Chris Butler and his wife, Darlene (née Pettit), John Butler and his wife, Kimberly (née Stewart) and Tom Butler and his wife, Patty (née Maloney); and her granddaughters, Sara Svati, Katie, and Charlotte, as well as her grandsons Colin, Brendan, Michael, Peter, and Timothy. Eileen leaves behind beloved extended family and lifelong friends, including her devoted caregiver, Lebby Acquah who will miss her loving presence.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Eileen's memory to The Montclair Foundation at montclairfoundation.org.