Barbara J. Cole

Barbara Jean (Blain) Cole, age 94, went into the arms of our Lord April 24, 2023 at the Allegan County Medical Care Community where she resided for the last several years. When she entered the nursing facility seven years ago, she was first greeted and cared for by a loving CNA, Cammie Boylan. It seemed fitting that Cammie was with her to hold her hand and comfort her as she took her last breath in that early morning hour.

Barbara was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan July 31, 1928 to Sam and Naomi Blain, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 77 years, John; brother, Don Blain and his wife, Irene. Also preceding her were in-laws Ralph and Ida Cole, Bill and Leona Cole, Keith and Betty Cole, Marguerite (Sis) and Stan Coughlin; grandchildren Noah Cole and Jessica (Cole) Hallgren; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She will be greatly missed by her family. Barbara leaves behind her children John (Cheryl) Cole, Bill Cole, Becky (Bruce) Zimmerman, David (Linda) Cole, Sally Cole; 11 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and former daughter-in-law, Pam Cole, with whom she maintained a special relationship.

Barbara literally married the boy next door. She and Jack were neighbors and began dating after he returned home from his service in WW II. They were married 77 years ago on November 13, 1946. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and homemaker raising their children where they resided in Dorr.

She was a member of St. Mary’s Visitation Parish in New Salem, volunteering for many years with chicken and wild game dinners. She loved summers spent at their cottage on Dumont Lake where she became an expert at frying fish. She was also an avid reader and it was not uncommon for her to be in the midst of two or three books at the same time.

She loved to travel and visit different areas of the United States. She and Jack took many road trips after his retirement. They loved being spontaneous to just get on the road and travel with no particular destination in mind.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to the staff at Allegan County Medical Care Community for their support, love, and kindness shown to Mom while she resided there. She could not have been in more caring hands. She developed a special bond with those who provided daily care and the family is so grateful for your compassion and companionship. She loved you all like family.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, May 11, 2023 at Kubiak Cook Funeral Home, 4330 18th St., Dorr, with a Rosary starting at 6 p.m. The funeral Mass will take place 11 a.m. Friday, May 12 at St. Mary’s Visitation, 2459 146th Avenue SW, Byron Center. In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to Allegan County Medical Care Community at 3265 122nd Avenue, Allegan, Michigan 49010. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.kubiakcookdorr.com.