Phyllis M. Bolton

Phyllis M. Bolton (née Silverio) of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, passed peacefully on September 1, 2025, from the effects of glioblastoma, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, to the late Alphier J. and Mary A. (Pizi) Silverio, Phyllis attended Merion Mercy Academy, The College of Steubenville in Ohio, and the NYU College of Dentistry. She fulfilled her true goal in life - that of being a wife, a mother to her three girls, and a friend to all whom she met.

Phyllis is survived by her husband of 49 years, Charlie; her beloved daughters Carla (Patrick), Jessica, and Laura (Tom) Frein; and her cherished grandchildren Jordan and Leo. She is also survived by her devoted brother, Frank A. Silverio of Virginia; her extended family; and all who knew and loved her-from her lifelong Bryn Mawr childhood friends and the girls and guys from Steuby U and Drexel, to friends and neighbors from her homes over the years in Phoenixville, Worcester, Glenside, and Rehoboth Beach.

She wanted to be remembered by everyone as they knew her best: working in her gardens, "with the sun on my back," taking early morning walks with her favorite dogs, Cody and Beemer, tending to her flowers while watching for hummingbirds, playing tennis, shopping and dining with friends, traveling with Charlie across the U.S. and Europe, exercising with the "Gym Rats" of KCCC, boating on the bay, walking the beach in search of sea glass and shells, and crafting artisan jewelry from her finds.



She was also deeply involved in her community, giving many hours of service to organizations including the Rehoboth Beach VIA, Rehoboth in Bloom, the Kinsale Glen Landscaping Committee, and the Kings Creek House Committee.

Upon her diagnosis of grade 4 glioblastoma in January 2025, Phyllis chose to remain in the Philadelphia area and, following surgery, forgo chemotherapy and radiation in order to enjoy the best possible quality of life-close to her family and friends. The outpouring of love and support- dozens of visitors from across the country, hundreds of cards and letters, special gifts and artwork, homemade treats, and an abundance of plants and beautiful flower arrangements-was overwhelming. Phyllis and her family were deeply moved and profoundly grateful.

Honoring Phyllis' wishes, there will be no formal services. True to her giving nature, she chose to advance medical research and education by donating her body to science, in hopes that her contribution may one day help lead to a cure for diseases like glioblastoma.

Donations in Phyllis' memory can be made to The Brain Cancer Answer Foundation at: https://www.braincanceranswer.org/donate

This 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is dedicated to raising awareness of brain tumors and funding research into new treatments in search of a cure.

The Foundation will hold its annual McGuiness Memorial Golf Tournament and Auction on October 6, 2025, at Kings Creek Country Club in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

Live each day to the fullest. Love those around you as if it were your last.

The only certainty in life is that it is finite.