On April 23, 2025, a true Eastern Shore native, Patricia Eileen Bolte (Dunbar), known as Pat, passed away peacefully at Coastal Hospice after a recent fall. In 2016 Lee W. Bolte, her husband for over 40 years, preceded her in death.

Born on December 24, 1941, in Salisbury, Pat lived a life marked by dedication, compassion, and a zest for adventure that touched and saved the lives of many.

Pat was the daughter of the late James H. Dunbar of Garrett, PA, and Agnes R. Dunbar (Sterling) of Crisfield, MD. The Sterling family began populating the lower Eastern Shore in 1667. She grew up in a loving family that would have them moving only between Crisfield and Salisbury. Her reverence of family continually included spending weekly time with her cherished sisters and their husbands. Her eldest sibling, Donna (Alton "Bud") Savage both have preceded her in death. These last few years, Cindy Shaver (Bill d2020), and Kathy Singer (Tom) have been her closest advocates. Pat's nurturing spirit was evident in her role as a mother to Kevin J. Nieves (Renee) and as a doting grandmother to Kevin Anthony Nieves, Kayla May Westfall (Jordan), and Brandon K Joseph Nieves, and great grandchild, Abram Christopher Westfall. In addition are 15 nieces and nephews whom never wavered to ask a question to "Aunt Pat": Terri Savage, Valerie Schor, Tom (Nancy) Savage, Jamie (Sue Ellen) Savage, Rusty Savage (d2024), Carrie Savage, Jeff Savage, Tim Savage, David Dunbar, Jim Grove (Beth), Eugene "Tink" Grove (d2022), Wayne Bailey (Mary), Amy Lloyd (Daniel), Kurt Singer and Patrick (Grey) Singer, and a host of great-nieces and nephew and many cousins.

A graduate of Wicomico High School in 1959, Pat pursued a career in nursing, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to caring for others. She completed her studies at Peninsula General Hospital (PGH) School of Nursing in 1962 and furthered her expertise at Johns Hopkins Anesthesia School in 1971. Pat's professional journey as a Registered Nurse and a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), spanned nearly five decades at PGH in Salisbury, MD, Beebe Hospital in Lewes, DE, and McCready Hospital in Crisfield, MD. Her intelligence, analytical mind, and spirited nature made her a respected figure in the medical community as one of the first women in the Anesthesia Field on the Eastern Shore. While at Hopkins she met a lifelong friend, Anne. Their long distant friendship endured until her last visit in 2022 where they were both acknowledged at the Hopkins School of Anesthesia as women pioneers in the industry.

Pat was a woman of many interests and talents. She reveled in the joy of playing pinochle with her girlfriends Shirley, Jeannie and Dianne. Boy could they have a good time shuffling those face cards every week. Her athletic prowess was evident as she participated in women's softball in the 1960's and volleyball in the 70's & 80's. During her life she enjoyed many things to include chess, cards, reading, and gourmet cooking. Her passion for the outdoors found her fishing, crabbing, target shooting, horseback riding, tennis, badminton and camping. She was an avid deer hunter. In Eden, on the first day of rifle season, Pat would enjoy hunting alone, but also many times with other family members. For over 15 years she brought home the bacon, or is it venison?

Golf was Pat's greatest passion. She began playing in her late 20s and quickly became a formidable competitor. She earned the title of Elks Ladies Club Champion for ten consecutive years in the 70's to the 80's. She won many other tournaments throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and placed in most.

In 1982, Pat was elected as the President of the Women's Peninsula Golf Association, an organization with over 900 members. She carried a single-digit handicap and on the golf course was rivaled by few, including many men.

She instilled the game of golf onto her son. Almost as a sickening disease, but in reality, a lifelong gift. She cherished the camaraderie of golfing with her buddies Jane, Sharon, Gayle, Amy, Jackie and so many others. She, and her late husband, traveled with many couples up and down the east coast to enjoy the only sport which truly unites people. Then retiring to the 19th hole to discuss the rounds ups and downs over a well-deserved cocktail.

Pat's love for nature extended to her home, where she took pride in her gardening skills and the meticulous care of her extravagant Koi pond, complete with a metal bridge which added a touch of Zen. She also handled all of the maintenance around the house, showcasing her independence and practicality. One cannot forget her love for her pets. From Shotze, Rags, Demetrius, Casper, Kiki to all of the Shih Tzu's she bread and her last rescue dog, Hoover.

Pat truly embodied this sentiment of caring through her personal and professional life, ensuring that countless lives were enriched and comforted by her presence. As we celebrate the life of Patricia Eileen Bolte, we honor a woman whose intelligence, analytical approach, and unrivaled spirit to life's challenges made her a beloved figure in her community. Her legacy of love, laughter, and service will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Visitation for Pat will be held at Holloway Funeral Home in Salisbury, MD at 12:30 pm on Thursday, May 1st, 2025.

Graveside service, officiated by Pastor Tom Bunting, will begin at 2 pm at Wicomico Memorial Park.