Fortunata “Tina” Catona

Never any doubt where her priorities were: Tina reminded her family that she loved them at least a hundred times a day. She was a tiny lady with a huge handbag: it held everything her grands had given her and a record of all the family accomplishments that she could show anyone she bumped into. Her home smelled of Meatballs, Sausage and Stromboli and she cooked for the holidays for her entire neighborhood. Though she’d walk a couple miles a day to do piece work as a seamstress she had enough energy to make sure all her girls’ friends had homemade pizza. Her charisma made people love her right off the bat and it even landed her on national T.V. during a dance competition, flirting with the great Bruno Collins. But she was really meant to be a Nona: toys stacked to the ceiling spoiling the grandkids with everything in sight.
Through her father, the young Fortunata would meet a nice boy from the United States. The late Philip didn’t speak much Italian; Tina didn’t speak much English, but their love saw them through. Their 56-year marriage was blessed by two daughters, Mary Catona and Tina (Bill) McNamee and later by grandchildren: Katie (Eric), Billy (Christine) and Philip; and great grandchildren: James, Ava and Emma and one more, Lorenzo is on the way. She is survived by her sister Aida and was predeceased by siblings, Lina, Tita, Mimmo, and Caterina.

Come celebrate 94 great years Monday 10-11:30 a.m. at Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon at St. Clare of Assisi Parish, St. Joseph’s Church, Swedesboro. Interment will be Thursday 9:00 a.m. at Gloucester County Veteran’s Cemetery.