Denise Skarecki Butler

Denise Skarecki Butler, 79, of Lynchburg, Virginia, passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. She dedicated her life to education, imparting knowledge and wisdom to students at inner-city schools in Dallas, Texas, and ultimately retiring from Amherst Middle School as a history teacher. Even after her retirement, Denise continued to contribute to the educational community by serving as a substitute teacher at Leesville Road Elementary, Brookville, and Amherst.

Denise was not only a remarkable educator but also a vibrant personality whose outgoing nature and social spirit made her a beloved figure among family and friends. She was known as a social butterfly, never shying away from expressing her opinions while maintaining a standard of class. Denise lived life to the fullest, relishing the little pleasures such as enjoying a diet coke, a slice of coconut pie, or her cherished 5 o'clock margarita.

An avid traveler, Denise loved exploring new places, both on her own and accompanied by friends. Annual trips to the Jersey Shore with her family were among her most cherished experiences, where laughter filled the air and memories were made—like the unforgettable day she fell off a scooter while trying to prove she could still be "cool." Her passion for gardening was evident in the myriad of beautiful flowers and houseplants that adorned her home.

Guided by her strong Catholic faith, Denise embodied grace and resilience throughout her life. Her proudest accomplishments were her children and grandchildren, whom she loved fiercely. As the self-proclaimed "Matriarch" of her family, she took pride in being the cornerstone for those she held dear. Denise's legacy as a dedicated educator, loving family member, and spirited individual will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew her.

Those left to cherish her memories and carry on her legacy are her two daughters, Erika Simpson of Lincoln, NE and Christina Walker (Jay) of Lynchburg, VA; grandchildren, Kali Denise Bonner (Robbie), Zachary Walker, Madison Walker, Alex Broening (Taylor), and Kristen McCarthy (Aaron); great-grandchildren, Bentley Tyler Williamson, Parker McCarthy, Paislee McCarthy, Poppy McCarthy, Piper McCarthy, and Beckham Broening; brother, Peter Paul Skarecki, Jr. (Eileen); sisters, Carolyn Chelland (Jim) and June Marie Pfeiffer (James); nieces, Dr. Sara Chelland Campbell, Lyndsey Anne Pfeiffer and Megan Delaney (Cristopher); nephews, Michael Chelland Esquire (Melissa), Justin Chelland (Manuela), Marc Skarecki (Cassandra) and the late James Christian Pfeiffer (Christine); as well as great nieces and nephews, Jac Campbell, Mason Campbell, Tyler Chelland, Sienna Chelland, Kayla Chelland, Fiona Delaney, Maeve Delaney, Solange Skarecki, and Carly Noreen Pfeiffer.

A visitation will be held at Tharp Funeral Home on Friday, January 10, 2025, from 3:00 – 5:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial contributions to The Lynchburg Humane Society in her honor. To honor Denise’s love for animals, she will be donating her pacemaker to a teaching veterinary hospital.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.