Alice Anne Butler-Short

April 13, 1943 - March 30, 2021

Born April 13th, 1943, in Cahir, County Tipperary, Ireland, passed March 30th, 2021 at the age of 77, in Washington DC. Alice was second born of eight children of her late father Patrick Butler and mother Johanna (Mason) Butler. Siblings including Maureen and Sheila who preceded her in death. Living siblings in Ireland include Father Patrick Butler, Anna Waugh, Thomas Butler, and Carmel Maher. Her brother Paul Butler resides in Canada. Alice has three sons from a previous marriage to David Au (deceased), Colonel Kevin Butler, U.S. Army, Fort Eustis Virginia and Wife Jennifer, Brian Butler, Richmond VA and Wife Elizabeth, and Darren Butler, Katy TX and Wife Stella along with seven grandchildren, Cameron, Justin, Hannah, Connor, Mason, Marley, and Reagan Butler, whom she adored. Alice and her husband, Albert V. Short, Colonel, US Army (retired) were married in 1983. Alice was a citizen of the world with an intense love of her adopted country, the United States. Born in Ireland, she first lived in London, then on to Hong Kong for 13 years, Vancouver Canada, Washington DC, Mogadishu Somalia, Singapore, and Brunei. Many of these travels were with her husband Al on military/diplomatic assignments. Alice had an interesting career. Among her many professions, she directed the English language department at the Shaw movie studios in Hong Kong as she was fluent in Cantonese. She was the deputy executive officer of the USAID program office in Mogadishu Somalia. She became assistant to the High Court judge of the Canadian Yukon and worked in many large law firms here in Washington DC. As an international woman, Alice was comfortable in any cultural setting whether in a hut in rural Somalia, or a diplomatic reception at an embassy in Singapore, or even in the White House. At the age of 55 she embraced Irish dancing and with her usual enthusiasm she quickly became a champion. She beat everyone over the age of 21 who were classified as adults. She retired a champion and began teaching young girls the fine points of Irish dancing. Alice was a political activist but more so a committed Christian with concern for all. She was always available to assist those in need. Whether it was helping families in distress, assisting the wounded warriors at Walter Reed, officiating at Army funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, or raising funds for needy families impacted by the COVID restrictions. The list goes on, but the common denominator was an abundance of compassion. This compassion was combined with a high level of energy for causes she supported in and believed were important, especially for her adopted country the U. S. She believed in the US constitution as the guiding document for preserving our liberties and advocated for issues and political candidates who supported her views. This is best shown in her founding of the Virginia Women for Trump in 2014, which grew to over 5,000 members in Virginia and 20+ states with sister organizations. Alice supported and led many civic and community activities. She served the Wounded Warriors at Walter Reed, as an Army Arlington Lady officiated at Arlington Cemetery, volunteered at the White House correspondence office, was president of the Clifton/Springfield Republican women, and much more. Alice was a force of nature; she did not take “no” or “it is too hard” for an answer. She took on challenges and succeeded where others would not even attempt. Being an immigrant and having lived in many foreign countries, Alice recognized the U. S. provides one with a unique opportunity, which is not understood by many native-born Americans. Her indomitably positive spirit and infectious vitality inspired others. Her motivation was the desire to pass on her ideals, which were founded on Christian principles, the love of this country and the constitution on which it was based, to her grandchildren. Alice and her buoyant enthusiasm will be missed, as she dances in a new venue. A celebration of life will be held at The Jefferson Funeral Home in Alexandria, VA at 11 AM on Saturday, June 12th. Due to COVID restrictions attendance at the celebration of life will be limited. It will be live streamed, and a link will be published on the CaringBridge site. Burial at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. For updates, please see this link https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/alicebutler-short In remembrance of Alice, the family requests no flowers and in lieu please contribute to your favorite charity or causes and organizations which Alice supported to include: Suburban Virginia Republican Coalition, https://secure.anedot.com/suvgop/donate Wounded Warrior Project, http://woundedwarriorproject.org/ Homes for Our Troops, https://www.hfotusa.org/get-involved/support_our_mission/ways_donate/ Fisher House, https://connect.fisherhouse.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.event&eventID=1