E. Kathleen (Bolton) Pinke

Cohoes, NY E. Kathleen (Bolton) Pinke crossed over peacefully on June 14th 2018. She was born and raised in Cohoes, NY where she spent her entire life. Kate mastered the ability to speak truth to power, which proved useful in her active years as the Cohoes Democratic Party Chairmen, where she advocated for working class folk. She loved her community and was known to engage in the spirited defense of it around town. For all of those who Kate may have offended, it was probably warranted and, in all likelihood she did not regret it. Kate adored her family, who taught her that grit was a virtue, one she became skilled at it early in life. Kate thrived in the rough and tumble. She could dish it as well as take it. Kate was most proud that all of the Bolton brood carried on the family tradition of hard work, family first, and remembering to have fun. Kate was extraordinarily loyal to her family and friends. Kate shared many good times with her friends, too many to count. Be it trips to NYC, trips abroad, Friday nights with “the Girls” at Joe’s or the Country Club, anyone that knew Kate knew she was the life of the party. But despite her tough exterior, she was truly a loving, caring woman, first raising her daughter as a single mother, then being the caregiver to both of her parents at the end of their lives, and lastly helping to raise her two grandsons. Kate spent her life serving others. Kate really loved to spoil her two grandsons, Carson (19 yrs. old), and Kieran (16 yrs. old) McDonald. Kate will be missed by both of these young men, who are grateful for the many life lessons Grandma Kate taught them, lessons their mom and dad would rather they had not learned at such early ages! Kate also had a very special relationship with her son-in-law, Jeremy McDonald. Kate and Jeremy shared a love for practical jokes and prank phone calls. She left us on the 38th anniversary of her marriage to her husband, Harry Pinke. Kate and Harry loved each other, cared for each other and saw their marriage as a collective effort to support one another. In her later years and in failing health, it was her beloved husband who would faithfully and selflessly care for her. Lastly, Kate’s legacy will be carried on by her best friend and the greatest love of her life, her daughter Colleen. To Kate, “Babe” was the hub, spoke and wheel on which her life turned. Colleen was blessed to have a fierce mother who would do anything for her. She sees her mother’s spunk and wit in her children. She is preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth & Rita Tomaro Bolton; her sister Maria Appell; and her brother, Michael Bolton. Kate is survived by her husband, Harry Pinke; her daughter Colleen & husband Jeremy McDonald; her brother, Gerald Bolton & family; her grandchildren, Carson & Kieran McDonald; many nieces & nephews; and her sisters-in-law, Faith Hurst & Connie Charbonneau. Funeral services will be held Friday at 10 am from Holy Trinity Church Cohoes. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery Waterford. Calling hours are Thursday from 4-7 at the Marra Funeral Home.

E. Kathleen (Bolton) Pinke

January 16, 1942 - June 14, 2018