Genevieve Cabo Botica

Written by her daughter Jan Botica Zekich ('85)

My mother has been and continues to be an inspiration to me as a strong woman of deep faith, dedicated to her family, and a role model for balancing career and family. My mom, who is the daughter of an immigrant Croatian father and American mother, learned early in life how to face tragedy with inner strength. At the young age of six, my mother’s father died tragically in a construction accident. He left behind a wife and six young daughters. My mom was faced not only with overwhelming grief over losing her beloved father but also with the devastating effects of the Great Depression. 

My mom remained strong in her faith and at a very young age decided to help her family "make ends meet" by working after school. After graduating high school in two years and putting herself through night school, she became a bookkeeper and often worked three jobs to help support her family. She remained in the workforce until the age of 82 and has always been a champion of a woman's ability to balance career and family. Because of her life experiences, she instilled in me the importance of an education and the necessity of being prepared in the event the unexpected happens in one's life. 

Throughout her life, my mom has been devoted to her Catholic faith and strongly believes in the power of prayer, particularly a novena for a special request. She is notorious for saying "Trust God with your tomorrows." In fact, my mom did just that when she prayed a novena to find the right man for her. That man was my father whom she affectionately refers to as her "Novena Man." They were happily married for 52 years and he was the love of her life. Presently, her novenas center around her cherished grandson John and praying that she witnesses him graduate from St. Ignatius College Prep. as part of the Class of 2020. Our family is truly blessed and grateful that at the young age of 88 she continues to bestow on us her wisdom and love. 

Thank you mom for being a role model and showing me the true meaning of determination, hard work and faith. I am the woman I am today because of your encouragement and support. Therefore, with gratitude, I make a donation to the St. Ignatius Tuition Assistance Program in your honor.