Justine Butler, 77, tennis star and teacher

The Ridgefield Press

Saturday, 02 July 2011 16:53

Justine Herman Butler, who was a Hall of Fame tennis player and teacher, died Friday, July 1, at her Ridgefield home. She was 77 years old and the wife of Clarence Butler.

Ms. Butler was born on June 1, 1934, in Norwalk and had lived in Ridgefield for more than 53 years.

An avid tennis player, regional pro, and Tennis Hall of Famer, she was honored for her community contributions by the recent naming of the Old Ridgefield High School tennis courts in her name. She taught tennis in Ridgefield for decades; many of the classes were on those courts.

“Through her tireless efforts in teaching, supporting, and encouraging the sport of tennis, Justine was recognized both at the local and national level by the naming of the old Ridgefield high school tennis courts, and induction into the Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I., in 2001,” her family said.

“A special and strong woman, whose passion and dedication will be missed by her husband, family, and our community, Justine will be warmly remembered.”

Besides her husband of 54 years, she is survived by her three children: Bradford and his wife, Sue, of Terryville; Scott and his wife, Patti, of Easton; and Kay and her husband, Paul, of Shelburne, VT.

“A loving and caring wife and mother of her children, Justine remained fully committed to her six grandchildren, Brittany, Alexander, Shane, Krystyna, Olympia, and Amanda by attending endless sporting events, academic activities, and sponsoring multiple family gatherings,” her family said.

Friends may call Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah Street.

Services will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the First Congregational Church in Ridgefield, followed by a brief reception.

Donations in her memory may be sent to the Justine H. Butler tennis scholarship fund, c/o Ridgefield Parks and Recreation, 195 Danbury Road, Ridgefield CT 06877