Catherine Scorsese; Mother of Film Director

Catherine Scorsese, 84, who had bit parts in several films made by her son, director Martin Scorsese. The daughter of Sicilian immigrants, she was born in Little Italy in New York City and worked in the garment business. She and her late husband, Charles, were featured in their son’s 1974 documentary “Italianamerican.” Her cookbook, “Italianamerican: The Scorsese Family Cookbook,” was recently published by Random House. Other Scorsese films in which Catherine Scorsese appeared were “Who’s That Knocking at My Door?” “GoodFellas,” “Cape Fear” “New York, New York” and “Casino.” She also had cameos in films by other directors, including “Godfather III” and “Desperately Seeking Susan.” She often improvised her own dialogue. On Jan. 6 in New York City.