Marian J. Wygant Bolton

Marian Jane Bolton, 83

North Greenbush Marian Jane Bolton, 83, of North Greenbush died Feb. 17 after a long, courageous battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease.

Born in Troy, Mimi, as she was fondly known, was predeceased by her beloved husband, Richard E. Bolton, an attorney and former chief counsel to the New York State Police.

She is survived by three sons and their wives; Richard and Sheryl Bolton, Jeffrey and Michele Bolton and Peter and Florie Bolton.

She leaves nine grandchildren; Tabetha, Richard, Amanda, Courtney, Ben, Alex and Victoria Bolton, Kimberley Vumbaco and Amy Merhige; and six great-grandchildren; PJ, Joseph, Elizabeth and Thomas Merhige, Celeste Vumbaco and Cameron Benjamin.

She is also survived by her sister, Grace Wygant, many longtime and special friends, including Terry Speziale, and her faithful basset hound, Schuyler.

Her father, the late Dr. Harry Wygant, performed the first open-heart surgery in the Capital Region. She was also predeceased by her mother, Grace McCoy Wygant, and a sister, Margaret Dock.

A graduate of the former St. Agnes School, Marian spent her life in the service of others, whether through her numerous and varied volunteer activities or in fellowship with those she loved. She was a gifted hostess who was never happier than when dozens of loved ones were gathered around her table. Family was everything, and she made holidays memorable with festive decorations, unbounded thoughtfulness and a unique, childlike joy.

Always with a deep faith, she was a devoted member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Albany, and for years maintained its altar linens and took a turn working in the thrift shop.

A past president of the board of trustees of Vanderheyden Hall, a residential school for troubled youth in Wynantskill, she was also an active member and former president of a number of antique and historical discussion groups around Rensselaer County.

She had a way with flowers and lived surrounded by color and beauty inside her home and out. She and her husband, with their business, Honey B, dealt regionally in antiques. Her personal passion was cast-iron toys and animals.

Over her lifetime Marian had a special affinity for dogs, handcrafts, the sports games of her sons and grandchildren and sing-a-longs with her mother and sisters. She played bridge with a special group of friends weekly, right up until her final days.

There will be no calling hours.

A memorial service for friends and family will be held Tuesday at 2 PM at St. Peter's Episcopal Church 107 State Street in Albany. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to the ALS Association National Office, 27001 Agoura Road, Suite 150, Calabasas Hills, CA 91301.

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