Sister Trina Bottos
(Sister Mary Joachim)
May 7, 1942 – July 14, 2023
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Sault Ste. Marie wish to announce that Sister Trina Bottos, having completed her earthly journey on July 14, 2023, has gone home to God whose friendship she enjoyed all her life. Trina was born in Fort William Ontario, now known as Thunder Bay, baptized "Catherine" in honour of Italy's patron, Catherine of Siena, but known as "Trina", the eldest daughter of William and Eola Bottos {Zanutto}. Her parents and oldest brother (Bill) predeceased her.
She is survived by her brother Bob and sister in law Heather (Douglas, New Brunswick) and her sister, Sister Dianne Bottos of Blind River ON, her loving caregiver throughout her journey with cancer. She is survived by loving congregational members, cherished nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, and one great grandniece.
Sister Trina entered The Sisters of St. Joseph of Sault Ste. Marie in September 2, 1960. She trained as a teacher and began her ministry in education serving God's people in various elementary schools in Northern Ontario, and as a religious education resource person for teachers in the Catholic boards of Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie. She taught at Marymount College in Sudbury for ten years. Her last 3-year posting in education was as Faith Animator for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board. Her academic qualifications included a BA in Psychology and Religious Studies from Sudbury's Laurentian University, a Masters in Pastoral Counselling from St. Paul's University in Ottawa, as well as a certificate in Applied Theology from Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley CA.
She had particular concern for the spiritual growth of adults. Sister Trina served on the congregation leadership team for several terms. She also served on several committees including as vocation director.
Sister Trina was a lover of books who read widely, and generously shared her collected trivia. She was an entertaining storyteller who could see the humour in almost any ordinary aspect of life. She loved to laugh and enjoyed being the occasion for other's laughter. She delighted in her Italian heritage and loved the Italian language, food, opera, and joy in life. She had a deep appreciation for the natural world and took great comfort in her feline friends.
Gratitude and its expression came easily to her. She often quoted Brother David Steindl-Rast "It is not happiness that makes us grateful, it is gratefulness that makes us happy." Sister Trina Bottos was a very happy person! We hope to "merrily meet in heaven".
Sister Trina will be received at St. Joseph’s Motherhouse at 2:00 pm on Friday, July 21, 2023 with a Prayer Vigil at 4:00 pm. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Motherhouse, Sacred Heart Chapel at 4:00 pm on Saturday, July 22, 2023.
Expressions of sympathy or donations to the works of the Congregation in memory of Sister Trina may be made at www.csjssm.ca
Online condolences can be made at www.hillsidefuneral.ca
Sister Trina rest in peace.