- Welcome to Daley Life Celebration Studio, where we Celebrate the Color of Life.
Catherine Botto
Catherine was the Botto matriarch; proud of her family and proud of the businesses that bore their name. Most nights found her holding court at her regular table, next to the fireplace, beneath the pictures of Bob, enjoying her evening glass of wine. The day would have begun many, many hours earlier, Catherine arriving at the market to cook and oversee the operation. She led by example working as hard as anyone in the organization. The staff were more than just employees; they were family. They knew her love but she wasn’t shy about making sure they met her standards. Money was never the motivator; Catherine lived in service to her community. Many knew her generosity during difficult times and she spoke enough Spanish to help the migrant communities navigate the store. As a mom and a grandmom, you didn’t have to guess what she was thinking; tough love raised a strong family. She was strong in her faith; an active member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish, active for many years in Altar and Rosary, Legion of Mary and attended daily Mass for many years. She never really retired but was able to see the world in her later years: Italy, Las Vegas, Puerto Rico, Alaska. The last few years found her residing at Mullica Gardens; Catherine remained social as ever, hosting family and friends on a regular basis.
She emigrated from Italy at age 16 with her father and younger brother, settling in South Philadelphia and going to night school to learn to speak English. A handsome boy named Bob heard a rumor from his cousin about a pretty girl on 10th Street. The two would marry and move to Swedesboro in 1964, operate the first Bottos Market (today home of Pat’s Pizzaria), purchase their sausage company in 1965 and Kings Colonial Market in 1973. 1998 saw the major expansion and the opening of Bottos Italian Line Restaurant and catering facility.
She was the wife of the late Robert (Big Bob); mother of Vincent Sr. (Darleen), Robert Jr. (Karen), Domenic Sr. (Diana), and Enrico Sr. (Lisa); grandmother of Robert (Taylor), Vincent Jr. (Sonya), Talia Taylor (Jack), Sophia Rosa, Natalie Calista, Robert III, Jeffrey, Enrico Jr., Domenic Philip, Sienna Grace, Savannah Catherine, and Geneva Rose; great-grandmother of Aspen Robert and Georgia; and the sister of Teresa Gulli and John (Cathy) Aversa.
Come celebrate 87 great years Wednesday, 6-9 p.m. and Thursday, 10-10:45 a.m. at St. Clare of Assisi Parish, St. Joseph’s Church, 140 Broad Street, Swedesboro where Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Woolwich. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Clare of Assisi Parish, 140 Broad Street, Swedesboro will be appreciated.
16 Comments
Catherine was a “beautiful” person inside and out. I have many fond memories spent at her house along with Bobby and others having a drink and good conversation while watching her play cards.
My sincere condolences to the Botto family! We have missed seeing Mrs. Botto the past few years at her favorite table. She was always very friendly to my husband and I and any friends I took into the restaurant. We could always find her working hard in the market. I know she will be sorely missed by many. May she rest in peace!
I’ve missed seeing her hard at work in the market in the past few years and at her table in the restaurant with her friends. She was a special lady and would always make sure she acknowledging you when she saw you. My sincere condolences to the Botto family. I know she will be missed by all that came to know her.
My deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Botto family. While attending St Joseph elementary school, Robert Jr and I became very good friends during that time. I was always over the Botto house. Mrs Botto was like a second mom when growing up during that time. I will cherish the memories.
My condolences to the Botto family. <ay she rest in peace
Our condolences to the Botto Family. We are very grateful to Mrs Botto and her family for all the years they have employed so many Hispanics and others. She understood the struggle. May she rest in peace.
Always enjoyed seeing Mrs Botto when I entered the restaurant. She always greeted me with a smile and made me feel like I was at home. you will be missed
and left your mark in the community.
My heart goes out to your entire family at this difficult time of loss. Catherine was a beautiful lady in every way and will be missed by all who knew her.
We are so very sorry for your loss. Mrs. Botto will always be beloved to our family, especially when she offered to make polenta with me and treated my sore throat with blackberry brandy.
Hugs and prayers to you all. Xoxo
Eric and I shared many great times with Mama Botto She was passionate about life, her family and friends. We will miss her more than words can say but feel so blessed to have known her! Our deepest sympathies to all the boys and their families
Our deepest sympathies to the Botto and Aversa families.
Dear Botto Family,
I was very sorry to hear of her passing. Please accept my sincere condolences.
I am sorry I cannot be there in person during this time.
I had the privilege of knowing her, and I have always held your entire family in the highest regard. Your family has been very important in my life, and I will always be grateful for the kindness and support you have shown me.
Please know our family thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time.
With sincere respect,
We will miss your Mom/Grandmom’s Smile. She reminded me of my Italian Grandmother, smiling in the kitchen, preparing food with love. The Botto Family and Mrs Botto’s Spirit will remain rooted in our Swedesboro Community, where Catherine’s Perpetual Light will continue to shine upon us. +++ Our Condolences and Support. +++ The Ciechon Family. Ed, Kristin, Kyla, Korinne & Eddie
Mrs Botto was such a wonderful caring beautiful woman. She was so hard working and fierce. I’ll never forget her trying to teach me how to make pasta from scratch while working at the store in high school. My condolences to the botto family, she truly was a legend and a remarkable woman.
Catherine was a beautiful person, inside & out. She was a true Matriarch & blessing to the entire Swedesboro community. Sending love & prayers to all.
Aunt Catherine’s legacy of hard work, kindness, and family are loving examples of how to live your life. May her memory be your great blessing. All her knew her will miss her. Frank and I will miss her. May she rest in God’s eternal light.
Frank and Donna Russello