Loved to cook, read and make friends
MELROSE — Cheryl A. Botto, formerly Cheryl Philbrook of Melrose, passed away on July 15. She was young at heart at 76 years of age.
Cheryl is survived by her loving husband John F. Botto with whom she spent 56 years of marriage. Cheryl was the beloved mother of Kimberly A. Hardenbergh and her husband Christopher Hardenbergh; Matthew P. Botto and his wife Kelly Botto; and Bethany B. Amico and her husband Mark Amico. She was the proud grandmother of seven grandchildren in which she adored Spencer Hardenbergh, Drew Botto, Jared Hardenbergh, Brett Botto, Farrah Hardenbergh, Trevor Botto and Elyce Hardenbergh.
Cheryl created endless memories of laughter at her home in Lake Winnipesaukee where she enjoyed an abundance of friends. Navigating the lake with a map in hand all the while pointing out the sites with her perfectly painted nails. She cherished the friends she made in Marco Island, FL that led to her life in The Villages, FL where she enjoyed several years cruising around in her Ford yesteryear 1932 golf cart meeting with the friends she loved. She could have written a book about where to be and when and often said a week is never enough time. She wanted to show you it all and was endlessly curious about new places.
There was not a place she entered that she did not walk out with a new friend. She loved to listen to people and hear their stories. If someone was willing, she would keep you company until sunrise.
She was the eldest of four and the beloved sister of Wayne, who was by her side in the Villages; the late “Billy boy”; and Donna.
She learned to cook from her mother-in-law Mary and left us with classic recipes, perhaps not the healthiest, but certainly delicious. We will forever feel her eyes watching to ensure that things were done the precise way! She had a cackle that would instantly make you laugh and a smile that could light up the darkest of days. She loved to read, loved history, loved facts and loved her daily Sudoku and Wordle challenges. She had a memory that never failed and her ability to recall a date was unmatched.
She told a story with a simple side stare, that will forever make us laugh. She was a mother, a wife, a grandmother but above all she was our friend. May we all dance in a puddle of tears in honor of all the laughter, love and memories she brought to our lives. For everyone to whom we have spoke, simply replies that they are so grateful for all the LAUGHS they had with her.
Family and friends will be invited to a celebration of life in the Fall because Cheryl would never impose on a summer weekend. She will be missed and continuously loved by many.
