Obituary of Carol A Cole

Carol A. Cole, 77, lifelong resident of Peabody, part-time snowbird of Lakeland, FL. died peacefully in her home on Monday, February 13th, 2017. She is survived by her true soul mate of 60 beautiful years of marriage, her husband, Gary M. Cole. To sum up her life is next to impossible, as her journey here was nothing short of remarkable but we will try our best. Carol was the late daughter of Stacia Andruskiewicz and Henry Dube. She had three brothers, Paul E. Dube, Henry Dube, and Charles W. Mason Jr. whom Carol and her husband Gary raised as their own following her late mothers passing. She is survived by her children, sons, Gary Michael Cole, David P. Cole, both of Peabody. Predeceased by her daughter, Christine E. Raymond of Manchester, NH and her son, Leland J. Cole Sr. of Salem. Carol was a 6x cancer survivor and fought hard until the very end. Staying true to her Native American roots, she was a warrior. The definition of what "strength" is. She has done just about everything a person could possibly do throughout her lifetime, never stopping, not even for a moment. Her never ending energy was contagious as she made even the fittest of friends and family, look and feel out of shape. Loving to read books, she was an avid "yardsaler" and hands down, the best bargain hunter. You needed something, you called Nana Cole. She loved to ski and volunteered many years for different organizations including; The Haven for Hunger in Peabody. She had a deep love for flowers and gardening, so much that she became the founder of her business, Hearts & Flowers (Florist Shop). Carol shared her passion with her business partner and longtime best friend, Betty Bartol. She also instructed at the Peabody Evening School on floral arrangements and was a member of The Peabody Garden Club, serving as President from 1978-1980. Carol was the Treasurer of her husband Gary's successful machine shop, Plus One Corporation in Peabody until her retirement in 2003. It is said that "The man may be the head of the household but the woman is the neck and the neck can turn the head whichever way it pleases". This rang true for Carol. She was the backbone, always taking care of everyone and everything. The anchor, rock and absolute glue to our family. She is dearly loved by her many grandchildren and great grandchildren; Gary M. Cole, wife Robyn Cole and sons, Justin, Christopher, and Nicholas Cole of Beverly; Derek Cole, wife Kathleen Cole and children, Makayla and Anthony Cole of Peabody. Shane Hansen, son Cody Hansen of Beverly. Leland J. Cole Jr., fiancée Tara VonFridrich of Lynn and daughters, Leighton and Ava Cole. Amanda L. Cole, daughters Layla Devoe and Aliyah Cole of Peabody. Ashleigh Cole of Essex. Travis P. and David Cole of North Hampton, NH. Robert Raymond of Manchester, NH. Lexington and Colton Cole of Peabody. She shared a special, unique relationship with every last family member and anyone who had the privilege of knowing this beautiful soul. Nana Cole showed us what unconditional love was and she will be sorely missed. "Grief is the price we pay for true love". Visiting hours will be held at the Conway Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn Street on Thursday, February 16th 2017 from 4pm-7pm. Friends and family are invited to attend. Donations can be made in her memory to: "The Haven from Hunger" 71 Wallis St. Peabody, Ma 01960