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Sad news of Evelyn Butler
Posted by Jane2 on May 3, 2026, 4:18 pm
La Manzanilla lost a long time winter resident when Evelyn Butler died in Victoria BC on April 26 2026 Evy first came to La Manzanilla in the mid 80s when it was a very small fishing village. As with many who came later, she was enchanted by the place and the people, and returned regularly. In the early 2000s she acquired her “lot in the jungle” as she described it. The road came later, it is now Calle de la Madruga. In 2005 she built Casa Jazmin, coming back-and-forth from Victoria to oversee construction, while also running the very successful business she founded, Boulevard magazine. Evelyn‘s arrival in La Manzanilla set off a bit of a chain reaction that led to many of us, particularly those from southern Vancouver Island, discovering this beautiful place and making homes here. Evelyn also made great long lasting friendships with local families, watching their children and grandchildren grow, considering them part of her family. Evy was smart and independent. We will miss her sparkle, her kindness and her generosity, not to mention her famous and delicious gingerbread cake. She had many great stories about early expat life in La Manzanilla (I just wish she had written them down!) So long old friend, it won’t be the same without you, but we will think of you often.
Very sad to read this news. My deepest condolences to her families in B.C., and La Manz. May her spirit continue to shine in our memories and our hearts.
Thank you Jane for writing a little history about Evelyn's life in La Manzanilla. We meet about 25 yrs. ago and she was all you said and more. She loved the friendships she had in La Manzanilla and helped so many families when in need. Believe me, when she left this year she had plans to return but that all changed on April 26. It was devastating news and very sad she was not able to say goodbye to so many people she had in her life. She will be missed but the memories I have of all our adventures and laughs will always remain.
We're still in shock over losing our long-time amiga. I never thought that when I picked her up at the airport after her return from La Manz in late March that that would be the last time I saw her, even knowing then that she had some serious medical issues to deal with. We will sorely miss her lively presence there next season and for many to come. Here's to a life well-lived. RIP miel...
Sad to hear that Evy has left us...We were friends with her for many many years. Yes she was a sparkely light, full of energy and smiles and always doing nice things for others. we will miss you Evy..🙏🏽😘
It was indeed a big surprise to hear of Evelyn's passing. I had seen her outside Dr Gaby's office just before she left for Canada, and it turned into a long and interesting conversation (as usual). We came to know her because we share the same gardener for our homes in La Manzanilla. We traded plants and became friends. We will miss her and send our heartfelt sympathies to her family.
I took a photo of the obit that Jane wrote for the newspaper in Victoria. Very nicely said. RIP Evvy.
Although this bright spark has gone out, her Light will remain in the stained glass above the front entrance to the church, a gift from Evy to the village following Hurican Patricia in 2015.
on May 3, 2026, 4:18 pm
