Toni Botta

    Toni Botta, who lived in Montauk for more than 30 years, died of cancer on Feb. 20 in Fort Myers, Fla. She was 61 and had been ill for eight months.

    Ms. Botta, known as Rusty, worked at the Montauk Marine Basin and the Montauk Medical Center, before retiring and moving to Lehigh Acres, Fla., with her husband, Anthony Botta, about 15 years ago. 

    Ms. Botta was born on Dec. 23, 1951, in Marquette, Mich., to George Jelich and the former Elizabeth Heufelder. She grew up in Montauk. Her first marriage, to William Akkala, ended in divorce. Mr. Akkala, who survives, lives in Montauk.

    Ms. Botta married Anthony Botta on Dec. 17, 1988. She worked at the Montauk Marine Basin and the Montauk Medical Center. She liked fishing and, especially, quilting. “She was a quilter. That was her passion,” said her daughter, Julie Akkala, who recently moved to Lehigh Acres to be near her mother.

    In addition to her daughter, Ms. Botta is survived by two sons, Lonnie Akkala and Steven Akkala, both of Montauk, and one grandchild. A sister, Patty Cooney of Stevens Point, Wisc., also survives. Mr. Botta died last June of multiple myeloma. He was 81.

    A funeral Mass for both Mr. and Ms. Botta will be offered on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Saint Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church in Montauk, the Rev. Mike Rieder officiating. Burial will follow at Fort Hill Cemetery, also in Montauk.