Mary Louise Botta

Our precious mother, Mary Louise Botta, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 25, 2026. She was born to Nicholas and Victoria Folgarelli on May 8, 1932, in Pittsburgh, PA., the fourth of eight children. At the age of 94, she passed away peacefully surrounded by love. In a beautiful orchestration that only God could arrange, Mom passed away just one day before her beloved husband, Ralph's, birthday. Heaven gained a precious songbird to join the heavenly choir, and the most wonderful birthday reunion commenced in eternity.

It is no surprise to those who loved her that Mom was born on Mother’s Day, for her life was destined to reflect maternal love, devotion, and joy. Her great love story began at 17 years old when she met Ralph Anthony Botta at a Help of Christians school dance. Together, they built a beautiful life of hospitality and joy on the hilltop of Verona, PA. They cherished their five daughters and one son, then extended their love to the Folgarelli and Botta families. Each Thanksgiving, they opened their doors wide to welcome countless aunts, uncles, and cousins to decorated tables set up throughout the house. In the summers, they hosted large family picnics with children playing and adults competing in games of bocce. For her, it was always about family.

Mom loved Jesus with her whole heart. Her cherished front porch swing was a fundamental part of who she was. It was on that very swing where she introduced her six children, twelve grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren to the glorious sounds of worship. On warm summer nights, the words "Lift Jesus higher!" would echo into the evening as the swing swayed. At St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Verona, she served devotedly as a catechism teacher, a Eucharistic minister, a Bible reader, a member of the Ladies of Charity, and a beautiful voice in the church choir. There she met her dearest friends. She had a deep devotion for the unborn. Many wintry January’s, she traveled to Washington, D.C. for the March for Life, a proud testament to her years of standing up for the sanctity of life. Mom's tender heart drew people to her wherever she went, including the customers at the Oakmont Bakery, where she worked for 19 years after all her children were adults. Her vibrant spark touched everyone who crossed the bakery's threshold.

Music lived inside Mom. She always had a lyric or a melody ready; no matter what statement was made, she could instantly turn it into a song. It was a true gift from God that she generously shared with the world. Her sweet spirit and lilting songs remained a beacon of light throughout her 94 years. Even during her final days in hospitals and assisted living, staff members were drawn to her.

Mom was the precious center of her family. Whether calling her Mom, Grandma, Mimi or Gigi, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren adored her! She is survived by her children: Victoria Mlinar, Lori (Andrew) Stuart, Luanne Botta, Linda (Tim) Hart, Riggs (Michelle) Botta, and her son-in-law, Walter Artkowsky. She will be deeply missed by her grandchildren: Matthew (Jenny) Stuart, Craig (Johanna) Stuart, Ryan (Casey) Mlinar, Braden (Amanda) Mlinar, Bethany (Aaron) Crandall, Brian (Lindsey) Hart, Haley Joy Hart, Emily (Josh) Strohm, Anna Artkowsky, Colton (Carinne) Botta, Trevor (Hannah Vogel) Botta, and Avalon Rose Botta. And her fifteen precious great-grandchildren who brought her such joy: Grayson and Sebastian Stuart, Eliette and Hazel Stuart, David, Caleb, Joanna, William and Caleb Mlinar, Miles Crandall, Maddy Jane and Reese Leslie Strohm, Declan, Mylah and Maevee Hart. She is also survived by her brother, Joseph (Lois) Folgarelli, her sister, Bunny (John) Chase, and countless nieces and nephews.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Ralph Anthony Botta, her precious daughter, Leslie Ora Artkowsky, five dear sisters and brothers-in-law, and, recently, her son-in-law, Michael Edward Mlinar.

The family extends their deepest, most heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Vincentian Assisted Living and Rehabilitation in the North Hills of Pittsburgh. They witnessed a loving, committed, and beautiful group of people and will be forever grateful for the tender care Mom received in her final months.

Mom was a shining light who left the fragrance of her beautiful heart everywhere she walked. She filled her family's home with a love for music that they still share today. To those she leaves behind, she would undoubtedly proclaim: "Heaven is a real place, and we will see our loved ones again for all of eternity!" Mom, we will miss you until the day we are together again.

Friends and relatives will be received on Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 2-8 p.m in the BURKET – TRUBY FUNERAL HOME CREMATION & ALTERNATIVE SERVICES, INC., 421 Allegheny Ave., Oakmont, PA.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, November 2, 2026, 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 825 Second St., Verona PA.

Interment will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to People Concerned for the Unborn Child (PCUC) 3050 Pioneer Avenue Pittsburgh,  PA 15226