Irene Vivian Cole, age 84, currently residing at the Christian Park Village and former Gladstone resident, died Monday evening September 5, 2005 at the Christian Park Village in Escanaba.
Irene was born August 21, 1921, in Escanaba, the daughter of Phillip and Rose (LaFrenier) Baribeau, who preceded her in death. She was raised in Escanaba and attended the Escanaba schools. In January of 1942, Irene married Paul F. Cole in Escanaba. Together the couple made their home in Gladstone where Irene kept their home and raised their family. Irene spent her entire life in the Delta County area. Over the years she enjoyed ceramics and going to bingo once a week. Irene enjoyed baking during the holiday season, making date filled cookies and fudge and hot milk cake with caramel frosting. She also enjoyed knitting mittens for school children, braiding palms on Palm Sunday, shopping, playing cards and cheering for the Detroit Tigers and Green Bay Packers. She liked to listen to country music and camping in their travel trailer.
Survivors include:
3 Sons: Paul H. (Suzanne) Cole of Gladstone, MI; Jim (Kathy) Cole of Gladstone, MI; Tom (Victoria) Cole of Green Bay, WI
1 Daughter: Mary (Robert) Soper of Cornell, MI
4 Sisters: Violet Meyer of Escanaba, MI; Agnes Baribeau of Escanaba, MI; Freda Whitlow of Escanaba, MI; Virginia (Frank) Schmitt of Rapid River, MI
Also surviving are 11 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her parents, Phillip and Rose and her husband, Paul, Irene was preceded in death by:
1 Daughter: Anne Marie Cole in 1966
2 Sisters: Rose Johnson and Emma Clairmont
4 Brothers: Ernest; William; John
Anonymous
So sorry for your loss, I didn’t know Irene but met her sisters Agnes and Freda at Helen Neveau’s funeral in June. I am one of Theresa’s daughters.
Betty LeMarble
Sheridan, MI
Paul, Sue & Family,
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you.
Mike & Carol (Cole) DeShambo
Escanaba, MI
To the Family of Irene Cole,
Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of your loved one.
I cared for Irene from time to time at the nursing home. She was a very quiet lady. I will remember her the most for the many times she would sing “You are My Sunshine.” Do hold on to all the wonderful memories that you have of Irene and know that one day you may share those memories with her. Until then, her love remains with you here on earth.
May it comfort you to know that God is with you and that I am praying for your family during this most difficult time.
With Caring Thoughts and Prayers,
Kathy Grill
Nurse Aide @ Christian Park Village
Escanaba, MI