Susan Marie Bott passed away December 27th leaving behind a remarkable legacy and an adoring family. Sue was born in Pittsburgh, PA to John and Katherine McAteer. She grew up in Oakdale, PA where she made lifelong friends that remain as close as family. She married Terry Bott, an Air Force pilot, in 1969 and had her first child, William, in 1971. With Terry overseas for multiple tours in Vietnam, Sue embraced the role of matriarch early in life and in 1974, Sue gave birth to Kathleen while they were stationed in Michigan.
Sue was the foundation of a military family dedicated to service and ensured that every new assignment was met with joy and each new house felt like home. As mom, she dried tears, alleviated fears, and was always there to cheer. As wife, she was best friend, confidant, and soul mate. To be loved by Sue was to be loved unconditionally. Her unceasing devotion to family knew no limit and her ability to know exactly what they needed before they did was uncanny.
Sue was no stranger to adversity and struggle, but was always the keeper of joy and strength. She served as caretaker for her mother for over ten years after Terry retired from the Air Force and they settled in Newport News. In the last several years, the family was challenged with catastrophic health issues. Sue was diagnosed with an inoperable brain aneurism and boldly volunteered to help pioneer a new procedure that extended her life, and is used as a teaching case today to help others.
In the additional years she was given, Sue embraced the fancy role of "GrandMama" to Jonathan and Jaelie Bott and extended her loving influence to a new generation.
In 2014, Terry was diagnosed with a tumor wrapped around his brainstem and Sue became caregiver and comforter. After his passing in 2015, she relied on her close relationship with her daughter and son-in-law as well as a strong community of close friends to adjust to a new chapter in life. Sue traveled frequently to see her grandchildren and friends, and was hoping to return to Europe with family in the near future.
Her recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer drew her family to her side, where they remained until her passing. Sue is survived by her daughter, Kathleen (Phillip) Edwards of Newport News, son Bill (Jana) Bott and grandchildren Jonathan and Jaelie of Jefferson City, Missouri.
Whether you knew Sue growing up, from the days when she and Terry would close down the Officer's Club, or have just shared life with us, we invite you to celebrate her life and friendship by sharing messages online at www.wjsmithandson.com or sending a donation in her name to the cancer related charity of your choice. While the pandemic will not allow most to travel, there will be a brief local visitation Wednesday, December 30 from 3-4:30 p.m. at W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home. Current COVID-19 regulations will allow ten people at a time to pay respects to the family during the visitation.