Dolores Cole, age 88, passed away Wednesday January 31, 2018 in Raleigh NC. She was born July 18, 1929 in Syracuse NY and was raised in Watertown NY, graduating from Watertown High School. She subsequently lived in several cities across the U.S. and Germany as an Army wife. She spent a majority of her years living in Colonie, NY, working as a bank teller for Bank of New York and then Trustco Bank. She was a devoted and loving mother who selflessly raised her children in Colonie NY. In 1999, following her retirement, she moved to Spring Hill FL where she resided until the death of her partner, Glenn Helmer, in 2013. She then moved to the Raleigh-Durham area, where she was able to enjoy her remaining years close to family.
Dolores grew up a tomboy in a family of athletes, and was always an avid and accomplished sportswoman. She loved to ski and was most at home on her boat, Reel Toy, fishing the St. Lawrence River. She was an avid NY Giants and Yankees fan, and later in life became a diehard Florida State fan. She also loved to travel, especially Europe and Southeast Asia, as well as taking over 40 cruises following her retirement.
Dolores was preceded in death by her father, Stephen Schaffer, her stepfather Albion Dean, and mother Ida Ann (Oswell) Dean. She is survived by her four sons: Mark Cole (Patricia) of Fleming Island FL, Gary Cole (Shela) of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Gregory Cole (Aura) of Raleigh NC, and Michael Cole (Mali) of Houston TX; grandchildren Melissa, Stephen, Jeanna, Zachary, Benjamin, SuGar and Logan; great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
A private family memorial service will be planned at a later date.
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