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Dorothee Murphy Butler, beloved wife and mother, passed away peacefully in her home on March 19, 2005 surrounded by her daughters. Dorothee was born October 8, 1916 in Piedmont, California and was currently residing in Palos Verdes Estates, California. She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, R.E. "Tim" Butler; and is survived by her five daughters, Sally (Mitch Rendell), Therese (Art Martinez), Mary Ellen, Virginia (Les Fishman) and Colleen (Vinnie Piazza); nine grandchildren: Jim, Mark, Jennifer, Vince, Heidi, Andrew, Nikayla, Amy and Fred; and eight great-grandchildren, Amanda, Stephanie, Nathaniel, Alexander, Lucas, Olivia, Sarah Grace and Cara; as well as many dear friends. Dorothee ("Tutu" as she was affectionately known to her grandchildren) met and married Tim in Berkeley, California in 1942. They moved to Albuquerque in 1949 where Tim started his career with Sandia Labs. Dorothee had a successful career in interior design where "she could turn a room into a work of art." She brought her sense of style, love of beauty and grace to everything and everyone around her. Dorothee was a fully engaged student of life, returning to school in her 50s to obtain a University Studies degree and moving back to California in her early 80s. She was an avid reader and loved art, theater, travel, the diversity of other cultures, and gourmet food (cooking and sampling!). She had a lifelong interest in politics, sports, language, music and movies and was always available for a lively discussion. A devoted Catholic, Dorothee lived her faith as she brought her gentle and accepting spirit to all those she met. She was dearly loved and will be deeply missed. Contributions in her honor may be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor located at either 2100 S. Western Avenue, San Pedro, California, 90732, or 1900 Mark Avenue, Gallup, New Mexico 87301, or to the charity of your choice. A Funeral Mass will be held at the Newman Center on April 4, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. in Albuquerque with an Interment Ceremony for the family immediately following in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Dorothee will be laid to rest next to her darling Tim at the Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Santa Fe.
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