Obituary of Elizabeth Gillian Bolt

 

April 8, 1932 – Hull, England

March 4, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

 

It is with tearful hearts we wish our mum, Elizabeth (Jill) Gillian Bolt (nee Dennis), fair winds and God speed. Jill passed away peacefully on Friday, March 4, 2022, just shy of her 90th birthday. 

 

While her passing was not expected in its timing, we knew it was not far off.  True to her habit, Jill fell asleep in her favorite chair, with a cup of tea, listening to music. She will be delighted to have fulfilled her wish of being home and in comfort when her time came.

 

Jill was enjoying puzzles, bridge games with fellow Manor residents and dinners in the dining room until only a short while before her death.  Her keen intellect, wit and character shined bright throughout.

 

While the loss of friends, family and colleagues over the years made her heart heavy, she strived to rejoice in the rich memories that they gifted her.

 

Jill is survived by her children, Sarah, John, Helen and Katie Bolt; her grandchildren, Amanda, Jennifer and Sharlene Bolt, Megan and Bryce Harrison; and her great grandchild Orion Potan. We share our sorrow with her loving siblings, Susan Torsun and John Dennis, gracious son in-law Mark Harrison, and James Potan, father of Orion and husband to Sharlene Bolt. Jill was never one to let an obstacle stand in her way once her mind was set. She fiercely maintained her independent spirit with the many challenges life threw at her.

 

Jill was born in Hull, England. She completed nursing training at St. Mary’s. in London (1950-54).  Soon after, she met Alfred Peter Bolt and they were married in March of 1955.

 

They were a couple who were equally strong willed, adventurous, and passionate in their approach to life. Their ability to show kindness and compassion made them popular with friends, colleagues and the many lives they touched in their individual professions.

 

The family emigrated to Canada in 1967 to further secure Peter’s career in family medicine. We first moved to Kenora, in the Lake of the Woods district of Northwestern Ontario.  A definite shock to the system for Mum. Four kids in a new continent, a new country and town. The friends they made here were lifelong even though we moved to Thunder Bay, Ontario on the northern tip of Lake Superior only 3 years later. We arrived on the eve of the amalgamation of Port Arthur and Fort William into the City of Thunder Bay.  Dad continuing his dedication with family medicine while Mum not only had the four of us to mind but was also always involved in volunteering with local charities and organizing with the events for different dinners and dances.  Dedicated dog walker in rain, snow and sub-zero temperatures, she and her fellow walkers Shirley Hoodless, Ann Warren were true and intrepid friends.  Friends she could always rely on for support.

 

Jill’s fortitude and strength were truly tested with the unexpected loss of her husband Peter to cancer in 1977.  Sister-in-law Pat Hind was on hand and her rock of support and comfort during his short illness.  Jill made the difficult decision to keep the family in Canada. During this challenging and emotionally trying time, Jill also completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and returned to the workforce at Port Arthur General Hospital.  Here her dedication and work ethic earned her the title and responsibilities of Head Nurse.

 

Her final years in nursing were at Dawson Court Senior Residence and finally at McKellar Court Senior Residence and Pioneer Ridge Senior Residence. Again, she had many entertaining stories of the antics of residents and the charm of her colleagues.

 

One of Jill’s favorite times as a nurse was volunteering her services at Camp Quality, an away camp for children with cancer.

 

A long-time supporter of the Thunder Bay Symphony, she would often billet visiting musicians and help fundraising.

 

Jill accomplished many personal landmarks, all while a single working mother. She paid off her mortgage. She began to travel and developed a taste for both the exotic and local. She was always delighted when she had a travel buddy who enjoyed the road less travelled and a little bit of posh. Fellow adventurers Barb Warwick and Jean Sparks-Stewart would often join her in far flung jaunts.

On retiring, she rarely sat still. She gave back to her community volunteering with Meals on Wheels, at the information kiosk at the Regional Health Center, and no doubt several others that she quietly assisted.  As children do, we spread our wings to various points on the map, an excellent excuse for more travel.

 

Jill sold her long-time home of forty plus years and downsized to an apartment. After an acute illness Jill relocated to Calgary, Alberta and the Manor Village. Here she was able to maintain social networks, interest with others who had many of the same memories in time and experience and her independence.  We thank the Manor and staff for their kind attentions and care during her time with them.

Jill found comfort over time with the Unitarian Church, both in Thunder Bay and Calgary.

 

A life well lived and loved. Jill loved many things. First and foremost, she loved her family and friends. She also loved a bit of shade with a warm, gentle breeze, a good laugh, swimming in the oceans and lakes; an occasional really good scotch, sherry, gin, and a tonic or shandy, strong cheese, yellow pansies in her planters, a cuddle from a furry beast, and a really good meal.

 

Jill would encourage you to enjoy the flowers where they grow and kindly gift a local charity in her memory if you desire. She is missed but is alive in her children, grand children, great grand child and in the lives and memories of those she knew. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

 

In living memory of Elizabeth Gillian Bolt, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.