OBITUARY: Eleanor J. (George) Botelho, 88

Below is an obituary form Nichols Funeral Home:

WILMINGTON, MA — Eleanor J. (George) Botelho, fondly known as “Midge”, a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2023.

Midge was born on November 5, 1934, in Cambridge, MA; she was the cherished daughter of the late Anthony and Anne (Benusis) George.  Midge grew up as part of a large, loving family of thirteen siblings, who were raised and educated in Cambridge.

Midge married her “sweetheart”, Joseph Botelho; they moved to Wilmington in 1960, where they raised their seven children, Elizabeth, Joe, Jayne, Sharon, Susan, Deborah, and Lisa.  Midge’s family was most important to her; she made a warm, loving home for her husband and children.  The family shared many wonderful memories together until Joe’s untimely passing in 1976.

Midge had an incredible work ethic; she worked for several companies including Marshalls and Lucci’s Market.  She was a “people person” and enjoyed her co-workers and customers with whom she made many life-long friends.

In her spare time, Midge enjoyed playing games including board games, bingo, cards, and bowling; she always had a little bit of a competitive side, but everyone always had fun playing with her.  She enjoyed listening to all types of music and she loved to dance.

Midge will be fondly remembered for the love of her family.  She was so proud of all her grandchildren and loved their visits.  She will be greatly missed by her family and will forever live on in their hearts.

Midge was the beloved wife of the late Joseph Botelho, devoted mother of Elizabeth “Betti” Walls & her husband Daniel, Joseph Botelho & his wife Geri, Eleanor “Sharon” Belida & her husband Robert, Susan Clark & her husband Knox, Deborah Krzywicki & her husband James, Lisa Lake & her husband Frank, and the late Jayne Van Dinter & her late husband Richard, loving “Nana” Michelle, Kelli, Jill, Joseph, Michael, Nicole, Elizabeth, Joseph, Katie, Knox, Jesslyn, Connor, Liza, Frank, Lily and the late Jennifer, “Great-Nana” and “Great-Great Nana” to many loving grandchildren, dear sister of Robert, Paul, John, Anne, and Carol.  Midge is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her siblings Florence, Lillian, Rita, Dorothy, Edna, Marie, and Anthony, as well as her long-time companion Norman Croteau.

Family and friends will gather for Visitation at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave., (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Monday, July 17th from 9:30-11:30 a.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will follow in St. Anthony’s Church, 851 Main St., (Rte. 38), Woburn at 12:00 noon.  Interment to follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington.

Memorial donations in Midge’s name may be made to St. Jude, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105.