Eliza Butler

Eliza Ann (Stevens) Butler died January 1, 2023, after a fierce and brave battle with metastatic breast cancer. She was surrounded by her husband and close family. She was born January 19, 1981, in Waterville, Maine. She was the daughter of Kevin Alan and Leigh Ann (Norman) Stevens.

Eliza graduated from Madison High School, class of 1999, where she was known for singing the National Anthem prior to sporting events. Following high school, she went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of Maine, Orono. After graduating college, she worked as a social worker, predominantly with children. Eliza married Wade Butler on July 11, 2009. They made their dreams a reality by having 4 children. They displayed true love and exemplified what marriage should look like. They celebrated 13 beautiful years of marriage. Above all her earthly connections, she cherished being a wonderful mother to her four beautiful children.

Many will remember her as the Owner and Operator of Specialty Sweets, a candy shop in Bangor, Maine. Here, she touched the lives of many who shopped with her. She had a welcoming smile and an infectious laugh. It was not uncommon for people to visit the store and see her wearing a baby on her chest and a smile on her face while boxing an order of gourmet chocolates.

Eliza was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer when she was 40 years old. From the time she was diagnosed until she took her last breath, Eliza fought an incredible fight. She researched alternative treatments, supplements, and followed a healthy diet to a “T”. Eliza read many books regarding stopping the spread of cancer, all while also seeking hope in traditional medicine. Most of all she trusted in God’s will to carry her through the journey and trusted if she did succumb to her cancer, her family would find comfort in God’s power and grace.

Eliza had an unconditional relationship with God and was a member of Discover Church in Hampden, Maine. She genuinely enjoyed serving others, not only in health, but also when she was not well, she would love to make her visitors tea or coffee, would run small groups to worship with, and would run home-school activities for her children and the children of her friends. Eliza shared her journey through a Facebook page that was originally used to service her candy store.

While staying humble and even feeling trepidation, she felt that asking for the help of the community to get better was something she truly needed to do in order to stay with her husband and children as long as possible. Not only was her online plea for financial assistance, but also to ask all prayer warriors to pray for her healing. Eliza also wanted people to follow her journey as she felt she would be a true testament to God’s power and would help those following her journey to find comfort in God. She also aimed to help educate others on the importance of routine health screenings and advocating for our own health.

Surviving in addition to her husband, Wade Edward Butler, are her children; Jacoby Edward Butler 12, Penelope (Penny) Ann Butler 9, Zachary Alan Butler 6, and Emily Angela Butler 3. Her mother, Leigh Ann Stevens of Madison; sister, Hannah Mae Livingston, husband Blaine Rand, and daughter Isabelle Ann of Winterport; stepmother, Cynthia (Cindy) Dunton Bickford, husband Brian Peter of Fairfield; brother, Andrew Leo Barnett and wife Lindsey Kyla of Winslow. Eliza left behind several aunts, uncles, and cousins that she loved deeply, along with her in-laws, and nieces and a nephew. She had a beautiful community of loving friends, family, and acquaintances.

Eliza is predeceased by her father, Kevin, and maternal grandparents, Earlen Joseph Norman, Jr, and his wife Ann Colpitts Wilde, and paternal grandparents, Kenneth L. Stevens and his wife Lorraine M.

Friends and family are invited to attend Eliza’s funeral service 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 11, 2023, at Anah Shriners, 1404 Broadway, Bangor, with Pastor Mark Fowler, presiding. Those unable to attend in person may join the live stream from the Specialty Sweets Facebook page.

For those wanting to make a special gift, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Discover Church, 270 Main Road North, Hampden, ME 04444 in Eliza’s name.