Donna L. Butterworth

Donna Louise Butterworth, 90, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home, just as she wished, with her loyal dog Pepper by her side after years of declining health. Donna was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, and friend—an independent and forceful spirit who balanced seriousness with playfulness. She was a successful businesswoman, risk-taker, and entrepreneur, as well as a modest philanthropist who quietly supported family members in need and contributed generously to numerous charities throughout the Charlotte area, especially a shelter for battered women that was close to her heart.

She lived most of her adult life in Charlotte, where she became a devoted Carolina Panthers fan, while remaining, to the end, a proud and resilient New Englander. Donna was the daughter of Harold and Bettie (Fezette) Butterworth. She grew up in West Hartford, Connecticut, alongside her brother Dick and sister Judy, and spent summers on Moosehead Lake and in Satan’s Kingdom. She attended Hall High School, where she was active in the French and Latin Clubs and played French horn in the school band, earning selection to the Connecticut All-State High School Band.

After high school, Donna attended Colby College in Maine before transferring to Green Mountain College in Vermont, where she completed her studies in Business Administration and Executive Secretarial Studies. Early in her career, she worked for the Berlin Board of Education, the New Britain YMCA, H. Graham & Associates, and other organizations, steadily advancing in responsibility.

A keen adventurer, Donna was the first person in her family to learn how to ski. She loved to travel and learn about other countries—a passion that led her to take a months-long journey backpacking across Europe--an experience she cherished and often recounted, especially her time in Positano, Italy, her favorite place in the world.

Following her travels, Donna moved to Charlotte, where--like her beloved father--she built her own path as an independent and highly respected professional. She founded and led Atlantic Electric Systems, growing it into a successful company that supplied electrical components to businesses across the Southeast. She took great pride in the company she built, the jobs it created, and the independence it afforded her, including the ability to own the home where she spent her final years.

Donna’s laugh was infectious, and she maintained a sense of youthful joy even as her health declined. She was kind, generous, and funny—a beautiful spirit who enriched the lives of those around her. Even in her later years, when mobility became difficult, she remained deeply engaged with her family. She is survived by her sister Judy’s children—Steven, Karen, Robin, David, and John; her brother Dick’s children—Brian, John, Bob, and Carol; many grand-nieces and nephews; several great-grand-nieces and nephews; her caregiver and dear friend Marie; and her beloved dog, Pepper.

Her ashes will be interred this fall at Greenwood Cemetery in Avon, Connecticut. Donna often shared a simple message she hoped others would remember: don’t give too much of yourself to your job, take care of your health, and make time to enjoy life.