Carole Ann Butler (Collani), 87, passed away on November 1, 2026, in North Carolina. She was born on July 13, 1939, in New Jersey, where she grew up.
Carole was the daughter of William and Dorothy (Blint) Collani and the sister of Janet Muha.
Carole met the love of her life, Thomas, affectionately known as Tommy, while he was home on leave from the United States Navy. After his Navy service ended, they married, and Carole moved to Connecticut, where together they raised their two daughters.
Carole and Tommy shared a love of boating and spent many years as members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Their love of the water continued into retirement. They eventually moved to Whispering Pines, North Carolina, where they enjoyed living on a lake.
Carole dedicated many years to her career at Industronics, working in a variety of positions before retiring in 1993.
Carole was a woman of many talents and creative gifts. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, and painting, but perhaps her greatest joy was creating handmade treasures for others. Whenever she heard that someone was expecting a baby, she would head to the store in search of the softest baby yarn and begin making a special blanket, often followed by a matching sweater. These lovingly handmade gifts were her way of celebrating new life and sharing her love with others.
Carole had a generous heart and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Her family meant everything to her, and she showed her love through the little things she did for others. Whether offering a helping hand, sharing her talents, or creating something special for someone she loved, Carole had a way of making people feel cared for. Her love of family, kindness, and lifelong friendships will be remembered by all who knew her.
Carole was a devoted mother and a wonderful teacher of life’s lessons and the value of friendship. She treated her sons-in-law, Gary and David, as if they were her own sons. She leaves behind her two daughters, Lorajean and Pamela. Lorajean is married to Gary, and Pamela was married to David, who passed away in 2022.
She was a proud grandmother to Christopher Scott and his wife, Robin, of Alabama, and Sage Scott and her husband, Jason Reed, of Stafford Springs, Connecticut. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Delie Scott, Daniel Scott, Owen Doyer, and Reilly Reed, who brought her another generation of love and joy.
Carole was predeceased by her beloved husband, Thomas (Tommy), who passed away in April 2020; her son-in-law, David, who passed away in 2022; her sister, Janet Muha; and her parents, William and Dorothy (Blint) Collani.
A Celebration of Carole’s life will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 3 p.m. at New Covenant Fellowship Church, 1305 Hulsey Road, Carthage, NC 28327.
In lieu of flowers, the family will be creating a memorial garden in Carole’s honor; perennial plants are welcome. Donations may be made to Alzheimer’s research or to a charity of your choice.
The family has entrusted services to Cox Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory of Vass.
