Doris Marie Boutilier passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026, after a brief illness.  She was 97 years old.

Doris was born on November 30, 1928, in Newark, New Jersey, to the late Frank Catena and Veronica Mulligan Catena.  She grew up in Newark’s Iron Bound Section and in her teenage years moved to Union, NJ.  In 1949, she married her high school sweetheart, Warren “Rusty” Boutilier, and together they raised their four sons in Union. She was predeceased by her brothers, Frank Catena and Jerry Catena.

So many joyous memories remain.  Doris was known for her wonderful gatherings at her homes, bringing together special friends and family.  She was truly a connector of people.  One can easily picture the beautiful Snug Harbor perennial gardens she created, along with the many houseplants she lovingly tended.  Doris often snipped cuttings to gift seedlings to others, plants that always seemed to prosper, just as she did. She truly had a green thumb!  Doris often said that her trips to Europe opened a new world for her.  We remember with laughter her brave and proud attempts at sailing, snow skiing, and water skiing.  Boating on Barnegat Bay was especially dear to her heart as she loved being on, in, or near the water.  She frequently reminisced about bareboating adventures with Rusty and family in the Caribbean.

And then there was the artist.  Doris was an accomplished and talented painter who won numerous awards for her oil paintings. Her work was displayed in publications, at exhibitions, and throughout the homes of those fortunate enough to own her creations.  The deep and loving friendships that grew from her art group meant the world to Doris.  Members described her as “a beautiful soul,” “a gift to the group,” and “petite and feisty.”

Doris had an inviting smile and genuine warmth that welcomed everyone.  Her kindness was felt by all who had the good fortune to know her.  She carried a sincere curiosity about people and the world around her.  She was always interested, always engaged, always listening.  Her life was marked by an appreciation of moments, of people, and of simple pleasures.  She lived fully, loved deeply, and made our world a better place.

Doris was predeceased by her beloved husband, Rusty.  It was said that “she missed her Rusty fiercely.”  She found constant joy and comfort in the generations they helped shape, and her enduring love will continue to be felt.

Doris is survived by her four devoted sons and their spouses: Gregory and Bonnie, Barry and Franny, Kevin and Jeanne, and Brian and Leisa. She lovingly referred to them as her “rocks,” deeply appreciative of the love and support they gave her every day.  She was a cherished grandmother to David Boutilier and his wife Meghan, Holly Silvis and her husband Billy, Sarah Raeben and her husband Josh, and Michael Boutilier and Gabrielle Boutilier.  She was a proud great-grandmother to Max, Brielle, Emmett, Hayden, Blake, Cain, and Cole.  Doris is also survived by her sister, Catherine, whom she loved deeply and cared for devotedly.

Doris lived a long and beautiful life.  Family was at the heart of everything she did.  Her legacy is one of kindness, curiosity, creativity, and connection, a reminder that a life well lived is one that is well enjoyed.

Mom, we love you.