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Jill Ida Bolton
Jill Ida Bolton passed to eternal life on March 20, 2016 in her home away from home at Autumn Winds. A special celebration was planned for Easter Sunday, March 27, her 100th Birthday – but God was eager to celebrate that date with her in heaven.
Jill was born in 1916 in Sudbury, Ontario, one of 11 children. The Charbonneaus moved to Detroit when she was 8-years-old. Jill met Sam Bolton at 16 and they courted for five years, getting married at age 21. Life was great as a family in Motown, Detroit with a rich, full, simple life together. They moved to Ludington, Michigan in 2000, with Sam passing away at 96, just six months short of their 75th wedding anniversary.
Jill was beloved as wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, dear aunt, neighbor and friend. A more beautiful, feistier, and more loving woman never lived. It’s fitting that she chose today, the first day of Spring, to begin her new life.
Leaving school at an early age to help support her family, Jill was forever the student, so well read and frequent library patron – and a crossword pro. A talented seamstress, she learned from necessity with her petite 4-feet, 6-inch frame. This flowed into custom upholstery, unique stenciled items, and wallpapering for scores of friends.
Jill’s faith was paramount in her full life, and one of her most precious moments was when her husband Sam returned from World War II and was baptized in their Catholic faith. She was also St. Anthony’s partner in finding lost items.
She was always there to lend a hand, the best short order cook and loving caregiver for so many children.
Jill was cherished by all and we have been truly blessed to have her with us all these years.
A very special thanks to the superb caregivers at Autumn Winds. Our mother loved all of you!
Jill is survived by her sister Violet Barbett from North Ft. Myers, Florida; daughter Susan Eriksen and husband Tom; and son John Bolton and wife Nanako of Salt Lake City, Utah; grandchildren Daniel Eriksen and his wife Julie of Scottville; James Eriksen and his wife Teresa of Ludington; Benjamin, Nathan and Emiko Bolton of Salt Lake City, Utah; and great-grandchildren Jacqueline Eriksen and Zachary Eriksen of Scottville and Axel Eriksen and Iris Eriksen of Ludington.
A celebration of Jill’s life will be held at St. Simon Church with Father Wayne Wheeler officiating on Wednesday, March 23. The family will be available for visitation at the church at 4 p.m. until the beginning of a Mass for the order of Christian funerals at 5 p.m. Burial will take place at Pere Marquette Cemetery in late spring.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ludington Area Catholic School Foundation or Hospice of Michigan.
The family has entrusted funeral arrangements with Oak Grove Funeral Home.
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