Aura "Mita" Swital

There are rare few people in the world who have the ability to enrich the lives of every single person they interact with- Aura Swital, or “Mita” to some, was one of these people. She was born on February 8, 1943, in Fomeque, Colombia and took her final rest at her home in Waco, Texas on November 8, 2023, following complications from surgery after a brain aneurysm. During this time, she touched countless lives. She was a dearly beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend to any and all who were lucky enough to have her in their life.

The Botero’s were blessed with her joining their family in her teens, and she became an integral member of the family who was treasured by all ever since. She could always be depended on for support and love, but also for kindness and wisdom for any who needed it- sometimes served with sass but always served with love. She’s also been described as a “baby whisperer” by many and is remembered as what can only be described as a “fiercely animated” fan on the sporting sideline, always sharing her zealous nature. She led an adventurous life, living and traveling all over the world including stops in Colombia, Costa Rica, Argentina, Brazil, Miami, Houston, and Waco.

Mita made Waco her home since 1981. She was the proud founder and owner of the Apple Polisher Beauty Salon since 1982, serving her clients at Stilwell Retirement Center until her recent illness.

Mita enjoyed an active lifestyle which included activities at WRS Athletic club, which would become her second family. She joined barre, yoga, dance, water aerobics, weight training, and cardio classes. Many friends from the club felt Aura’s warm welcome from the moment they met, and it was clear there was a mutual feeling of love in this tight knit community.

Her family enjoyed her passion for cooking. Many of her specialties included empanadas, paella, designer birthday cakes and her signature Miami Beach birthday cake.

Mita was cherished by many who enjoyed her wit, sense of humor, compassion, and energetic smile. Her contagious positivity won her friends in an instant everywhere she went.

Mita was a devoted Catholic with a very deep and abundant faith. She was prayerful and lifted many spirits with her generosity and caring nature. Her many words of wisdom were inspired by the power of her belief in Christ.

Mita was preceded in death by Jaime Botero Salazar, Gina Botero, Cecilia Kangas, and Alex Botero-Lowry.

She is survived by the remaining Botero sisters and their families. Cecilia Botero in Oxford, Mississippi, Monica Botero-Smith in Tyler, Texas, and Claudia Botero in Waco, Texas. Mita will be missed by many friends and relatives near and far.