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.