Carol W. Butkus

Carol W. Butkus, aged 81, passed away peacefully in Smithfield, VA on September 3, 2026 after bravely fighting the scourge of Alzheimer’s for several years.

Carol was the daughter of Hester Brown of Henley-on-Thames and William Wain and born in Oxfordshire, UK. She immigrated to the US as a young adult, living in Princeton, NJ and Houston, Tx. before settling in San Diego, “adopted” by her California mother, Doris.

She soon met the love of her life, Steve, a Naval officer whom she married in January 1976. As a Navy wife she quickly learned to pack her bags and set up homes in such geographically remote locations as Rhode Island, Florida, San Diego, Portugal, Virginia, and finally Smithfield, Va. Along the way, her beloved daughter, Abigail, was born who in due course presented her Mum with two lovely grandchildren. The Navy life afforded additional opportunities with travel to Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and throughout Europe. She spent her free time working in retail clothing, including Lilly Pulitzer, and finally retiring after 25 years with Talbots.

Carol enjoyed the outdoors, working in the garden, sailing the bay, skiing, and spending time in the family’s second home in Wintergreen, Va. She loved life, laughter, and her grandchildren immensely. Carol was an amazing wife, mother and grandmother. She will be missed beyond measure but always remembered.

Carol is survived by her husband of 50 years, Steve Butkus; daughter, Abigail C. Tesnow; son-in-law Ron Tesnow; grandchildren Declan and Emerson; her 4th Golden Retriever, Bailey; brother-in-law Stanley Butkus; sister-in-law Joann Giampetruzzi; and brother-in-law Robert Giampetruzzi.

A celebration of her life is planned on September 20 from 3-6pm at Gatling Pointe Yacht Club. Internment will occur at a later date.

Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com