With profound sadness, yet with deep faith in the promise of eternal life, the family of Colleen Julia Butler-McLaughlin announces her peaceful passing on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.
Colleen was born on February 26, 1956, in Newport, Rhode Island, and spent most of her childhood in New London, Connecticut. She attended St. Joseph Elementary School and graduated from St. Bernard High School in Montville, Connecticut in 1974. She later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education from Southern Connecticut State College in 1978.
A gifted artist with a creative spirit, Colleen spent her life sharing beauty with others. She began her professional career as an illustrator and designer for an upscale furniture distributor before painting personalized keepsakes at the Leslie B. Black Company in Texas. She devoted fifteen years to teaching art in both public and Catholic elementary and high schools, where she inspired countless students to discover their own creativity. Her artistic talents also led her to paint life-sized carousel horses at the Smithville Wood Carving Factory, establish a wholesale floral design business in New Jersey, and later open her own country gift store, Country Petals, in Michigan. Whether sketching, painting, creating floral designs, or teaching, Colleen approached every endeavor with imagination, patience, and joy.
More than any accomplishment, Colleen’s life was defined by her unwavering Catholic faith. She loved the Lord deeply and lived her faith with quiet suffering and conviction, humility, and generosity. St. Edward Catholic Church in Pembroke Pines was her spiritual home, where she faithfully served in the choir, participated in faith formation, and joyfully shared her gifts through liturgical dance. Colleen was deeply involved in the Ignite youth and young adult group. She also answered God’s call to serve others through several mission trips to Mexico, El Salvador, and Guatemala, carrying His love wherever she went.
Colleen was proud of her Irish heritage, embracing its rich traditions, enduring faith, and joyful spirit. She treasured family above all else and delighted in gathering with those she loved, creating memories filled with laughter, stories, and unconditional love.
As the devoted wife of a U. S. Coast Guard officer, Colleen embraced military life with grace and resilience. During Robert’s 27-year Coast Guard career, they made homes together in Texas, New Jersey, Michigan, Virginia, New York, and Florida; building lasting friendships and touching countless lives wherever they lived.
One of Colleen’s greatest passions was exploring God’s magnificent creation. She traveled extensively throughout the United States and across the globe, visiting an extraordinary 59 countries and all seven continents, even Antarctica. Her adventures culminated in a remarkable 3 ½ month around-the-world cruise with her husband and their best friends. Wherever her travels took her, she always sought out a church, where she would quietly pray and give thanks. She found great joy in experiencing different cultures while recognizing the universal beauty of the Catholic faith.
Perhaps the greatest testimony to Colleen’s character was the grace with which she endured suffering. For many years she courageously battled chronic illnesses. She bore her cross with remarkable strength, steadfast faith, and unwavering hope. Rarely did she complain. Instead, she greeted others with a warm smile, a kind word, and genuine concern for their well-being, inspiring everyone who knew her by the quiet dignity with which she lived.
Colleen is lovingly survived by her devoted husband of 44 years, Robert McLaughlin; her son, Erin James McLaughlin, who serves with the Department of Homeland Security; and her daughter, Ella Grace McLaughlin, an Ensign in the United States Coast Guard. She is also survived by her brothers, James S. Butler of New London, Connecticut, Brian T. Butler of Beverly Hills, Florida, Patrick D. Butler of Louisville, Colorado, and Michael T. Butler of Moodus, Connecticut; along with 12 nephews, 8 nieces, 10 great-nephews, and 6 great-nieces.
She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Harry Joseph Butler and Eleanor Joyce (Satti) Butler, and by her cherished younger sister, Elaine Catherine Butler.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., followed by a Catholic Vigil Service, Rosary, and Remembrances from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Boyd-Panciera Funeral Home, 1600 N. University Drive, Pembroke Pines, Florida.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026, at St. Edward Catholic Church, 19000 Pines Boulevard, Pembroke Pines, Florida. A Celebration of Life luncheon will follow at 1:00 p.m. at The Club at Weston Hills, Weston, Florida.
Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Colleen’s honor to one of her favorite charities or to a charity of your choice:
Colleen’s life was a beautiful reflection of faith, love, creativity, courage, and hope. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, quiet strength, and steadfast trust in God. While her family and friends will miss her deeply, they find comfort knowing that the woman who faithfully followed Christ throughout her life has now been welcomed into His eternal embrace. May she rest in the peace of the Lord she loved so dearly.
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand
An Irish Blessing
Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care
Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care
St. Edwards Catholic Church
© 2026 Boyd Panciera. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Patricia Butler
July 14, 2026, 6:12 pm
Sending love and prayers to Rob, Erin, Ella, and all the family. Thinking of you all.