Sue Bolton

In Loving Memory

Susan Gail Bolton (nee Nowak).

It is with immense sadness and sorrow that we announce the passing of Susan Gail Bolton (nee Nowak). She was surrounded by family and friends at Hospice Peterborough on Thursday, June 4, 2026, in her 69th year. Born October 20, 1957, to Audrey and Roy Nowak, Sue grew up in the Omemee area, north of Fowler's Corners, alongside her four siblings. She was the second youngest of five children and is survived by Gary (Kay), Linda (Jerry), Norm (Marilyn), and Sandra. She was predeceased by her loving parents, Audrey and Roy. Sue was the loving and devoted mother to Mary (Richard), Brian (Christina), and Matt. She was the adoring and proud grandma to Jakob, Kaitlyn, Kylie, Donald, Ayla, and Leif. She will be deeply loved and missed by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and lifelong friends. Childhood days for Sue were spent outside riding bikes, making mudpies, and playing in the water beside the garden. She was the undisputed daredevil of the family, never shying away from a bit of danger. Whether she was scaling the interior walls of the woodshed pretending the floor was lava, crawling through the rusted equipment and cobwebs under the summer kitchen to reach newborn puppies, or instigating legendary bike mishaps, Sue lived fearlessly. Her family still roars with laughter recalling her antics and shenanigans from her three years at the one-room schoolhouse, Bethel S.S. #13 Emily Township, before she moved on to Lady Eaton Elementary. Sue later attended Crestwood Secondary School, where she excelled in sports, holding multiple records in shot put, discus, and javelin. This competitive spirit naturally flowed into her love for baseball; Sue was a powerhouse who practiced "knocking out flies" on the front lawn, launching the ball across the road and collecting nickels from her brothers' pockets for every ball they couldn't reach. She was known for cranking the ball over the fence and well over the outfielders' heads. She also brought that power to golf, winning the Women’s Longest Drive competition for several years until arthritis forced her to retire from the sport. Hardworking and determined, Sue dairy farmed for several years in Bailieboro before entering the Peterborough area workforce. She made cabinets for NHB, worked at Savage Arms in Lakefield, and later did upholstery for private jets at Flying Colours. Regardless of the task, Sue gave it 100%, never turning down a challenge. Yet, her greatest and most satisfying role was that of a mother and grandmother. Sue’s happiest moments were spent at schools, arenas, and sports fields, loudly cheering on and encouraging her grandkids. She cherished her weekend trips to her children's homes for BBQs, and spent nearly every summer weekend camping at her happy place in her trailer, affectionately named "Terry Taurus the Trailersaurus." Sue was a remarkable mother, grandma, sister, aunt, and friend whose strength, laughter, and vibrant spirit will never be forgotten. The family extends their deepest gratitude to all the doctors, nurses, and staff at PRHC for caring for Sue over the past three years, as well as to Hospice Peterborough for their exceptional care and compassion during a difficult time. 

In keeping with Sue's wishes, there will be no visitation. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date. Family and friends are invited to gather for a Celebration of Life on June 20, 2026 from 6pm to 9pm at the Norwood Community Centre. 

In memory of Sue, donations to Hospice Peterborough or the Cancer Unit at PRHC would be greatly appreciated by the family.