KATHLEEN ELSIE BUTTS

Kathleen Elsie Butts (née Shelton) was born on September 23, 1942, in Brookbottom, Strines, United Kingdom. She passed away on August 11, 2026, at the Amica on the Avenue seniors' residence, where she had lived since 2023, at the age of 83. After immigrating with her parents, Elsie and William Shelton, and brother Jim, she settled in Toronto, Ontario. Kathleen was educated under Canadian artist Doris McCarthy and performed opposite Order of Canada recipient Heath Lamberts in "Life with Father" at Central Tech. Though she once planned a fashion career in New York City, she married Frank, an English rugby player, and raised three children. In later years she worked as an early childhood educator at Orde Street Public School alongside friend Hope Hambly. Kathleen was known for her love of animals, especially her two Bull Terriers, Susie and Cleo, and for her gardening. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great‑grandchildren.