In Honor of Ellen F. Butkus
Ellen F. Butkus co-founded Senior Connections and served as the program’s first Director. Ellen lived a life of service focused on supporting her community, family, friends, and neighbors.
More about Ellen F. Butkus
Ellen grew up in Mundelein, Illinois, where she met Alexander Butkus, whom she married in 1974. A year later, Ellen and Al moved to Evanston, where they began their careers and had three children together. For the 43 years she lived in Evanston, Ellen was a dedicated and engaged community member and leader.
In 1978, Ellen graduated from the University of Illinois and began her career as a rehabilitation nurse at Evanston Hospital. In 1991, a small group of congregation members at Reba Place Church in Evanston received a grant to formalize Senior Connections. This program focused on visiting neighborhood seniors who were alone or isolated and offered connection and community. Reba Place Church sought a parish nurse to manage Senior Connections and Ellen was recommended and recruited for the role. She soon found it was more than a job; it was her calling.
As the first Executive Director of Senior Connections, Ellen continued her lifelong work and dedication to improving her community and caring for older adults. For the 17 years that she led the program, Ellen brought dignity, listening, health, and healing into everyday action. She was a visionary who understood that adults of all ages experience loneliness and isolation and could benefit from forging positive relationships. Ellen also recognized that isolation and loneliness have major health consequences. Through Senior Connections, Ellen brought together older adults and younger individuals to share the benefits of intergenerational friendships.
Ellen was recognized at various times during her life for her work and service. In 2016, the Evanston Aging Well Conference presented Ellen with the Aging Well Award for her work with Senior Connections. This award is given annually to an older adult making an impact on the local community. In 2017, Presence Saint Francis Hospital honored Ellen with the INSPIRE Award given each year to a community leader whose embodiment of selfless service is a source of inspiration.
In 2010, Ellen’s family established the Ellen F. Butkus Endowment Fund. The Fund honors Ellen’s countless contributions in support of the mission of Senior Connections to reduce loneliness and isolation among older adults. Since its establishment, the Ellen F. Butkus Endowment Fund has helped support Senior Connections’ general financial needs.
Ellen passed in 2022 at the age of 69 after a three-year battle with cancer. Ellen’s legacy continues through the leadership, community, and connections she created in her community – including through the Senior Connections program.
"Ellen shaped the way we think about aging and relating to older adults. She taught us about the gift of presence, the mutuality of relationship, and seeing seniors as invaluable assets. She knew engagement in community and relationships at any age promote wellness, vitality, and an enhanced quality of life. These concepts became the cornerstone of Senior Connections - shaping its values and fueling its mission."
– Barbara Sittler, Executive Director of Senior Connections (2010 – 2017)
About Senior Connections
The mission of Senior Connections is to strengthen the community by building intergenerational relationships that encourage happiness and health while bringing attention to social isolation and loneliness. Social isolation and loneliness are known to cause negative health impacts including a 29% increased risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke, and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia.
Senior Connections aims to heal the individual and community, one connection at a time. We do this by facilitating friendships between generations, enhancing health through interdisciplinary approaches in an environment of dignity and respect, regardless of socioeconomic status or background.
Read more and learn how to join Senior Connections here.
