Overview:
Toski Yvonne Bolte-Brundage was an extraordinary woman, mother, and dental hygienist who passed away on March 7, 2024. Her life was marked by her devotion to her family, faith, and service to the community.
Contributed
Toski Yvonne Bolte-Brundage was born on March 3, 1956. She received her angel wings into the kingdom of heaven on March 7, 2024. She was the only daughter of Hubert Bolte, Jr., and Gypsy Fitzpatrick Bolte. If you have ever wondered about the origin of Toski’s unique name, it came from her parent’s knowledge of the Italian opera TOSCA. Yet, they opted to use the more distinctive spelling.
She and her older brother, Hubert Bolte, Jr. (affectionately known as Bud), grew up on Eldridge Avenue on the East Side of Columbus, Ohio, at a time when neighborhoods helped shape their community’s lives. Her family’s reach stretched even further, as their mother was affectionately known as “Mom Bolte” to the numerous families whose children she nurtured as a home-based caregiver. Toski also went by the moniker “Toy” or “Jon”, given to her by her father.
Toski attended Pilgrim Elementary School, Champion Junior High School, and East High School: all cultural icons in an era of Black pride and academic excellence. She and her family were also members of the historic St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church.
After graduating from high school, Toski attended the college of Ohio State University, where she earned a degree in dental hygiene. During her collegiate years, she also became part of the Elegant Eighteen line of women, which was initiated into the Theta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated in 1976. Through her association with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (AKA), she established a lifelong sisterhood and an eternal kinship with like-minded women of God.
Toski eventually moved to Cincinnati to begin her career as a dental hygienist. During that time, she was associated with both the practice of Dr. Mark Fleming (1989) and Dr. Alec Tackett. The latter evolved into a 20-year position where she endeared herself to her patients and her work family as only Toski could. Even after she left the practice, her patients would often check on her through their bond of friendship.
A mutual friend would eventually introduce Toski to Charles Brundage, although (by chance) they both had attended York Street Methodist Church on a previous Sunday. Toski noticed Charles, but Charles didn’t recognize her until fate intervened, and an actual introduction occurred at another venue. It just so happens that York Street Church was Charles’ childhood church, so he was often focused on worship under the leadership of Bishop Todd O’Neal.
After their introduction, Charles obtained her phone number but did not call Toski for two weeks due to his extensive travel schedule with the Chrysler Corporation.
Little did Toski know her personal life was about to take a dramatic turn once they began to pursue one another. “He who finds a [true and faithful] wife finds a good thing and obtains favor and approval from the LORD.”(Proverbs 18:22 Amplified Bible)
Their chance introduction seemed to be God-ordained, so Charles and Toski decided to marry in a destination wedding in St. Thomas (Virgin Islands) on October 27, 1991. Given they wanted to start worshipping together, they chose a mutual church and were led to Corinthian Baptist.
They quickly decided to start a family and began the process naturally. After attempts to conceive naturally were no longer a viable option, Toski and Charles were led to apply to Catholic Social Services to grow their family. They were blessed with their first child, Phoenix, in 2003 and were subsequently chosen to parent siblings: Jordan, Naomi, Noelle, and Aliyah. Under the parental guidance of both Toski and Charles, what a blessed family it has become!
In the meantime, Toski continued her career as a dental hygienist while raising her girls. Her work ethic was unmatched. After 20 years of service, she was diagnosed with a mild case of Parkinson’s disease in 2014. Even though she could no longer do what she loved, she became more determined than ever to manage her diagnosis by diligently exercising every day and attending a boxing class once a week.
Throughout her extraordinary life, Toski exemplified the biblical passages found in Proverbs 31, which set the standard she would follow as a blessed woman, a devoted wife, and a loving mother.
WOMAN:
“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies” (Verse 10)
WIFE:
“The heart of her husband trust in her, and he will have no lack of gain” (Verse 11)
MOTHER:
“Her children arise and call her blessed” (Verse 28)
Toski also blessed the people around her through her daily actions and involvement with her extended church family, her work family, her AKA Family, her North Avondale Montessori School family, her Walnut Hills School family, her Purcell Marian School family, and Clark Montessori School family.
Toski leaves not to mourn but to cherish her precious memories: her husband (Charles); her children (Phoenix, Jordan, Naomi, Noelle, and Aliyah); her brother, Hubert (Bud) Bolte; her sister-in-law, Betty; her dear niece, Jenna Bolte; and countess family members and friends.
May we all continue to live for the Lord as Toski Yvonne Bolte-Brundage lived throughout her extraordinary life!
