COLE, Kathleen Margaret
August 26, 1925 - March 15, 2013
Kathleen Margaret Cole of Drumheller passed away peacefully on March 15, 2013 at the age of 87 years. Kay was born on August 26, 1925 in Drumheller to Frank and Lillian Cole. She was raised on the farm in Orkney where she developed a wonderful compassion for all creatures great and small. Like her father Frank, Kay was gifted with the ability to understand horses. She and brother Bill rode daily to attend the Orkney School. Kay continued her schooling at DCHS where she made many lifelong friends and an especially dear friend in Margaret Moar. She then studied at Olds College, later returning to the farm with her parents. Her mother Lillian became frail and Kay moved with her to Calgary where they spent the winters, both returning to the farm for the summers to be with Frank. She would spoil her niece and nephew, Judy and Greg Cole while they were visiting the farm for summer holidays. After her dear mother’s passing, Kay stayed on the farm with Frank. They were avid Bingo and cribbage players at that time, often visiting three halls per week on their circuit. They eventually moved to town and Frank lived to be 100 years old as a result of Kay’s fine care. She then moved to the Sunshine Lodge and readily adapted to the wonderful care received there. During this time Kay was involved with Judy’s (Michael) and Greg’s (Maggie) lives, both who were now farming in Orkney. She treasured her great nephews Spencer (Ria) and Matthew and her great niece Holly and was thrilled with the arrival of her great-great niece Sarah. Kay considered the Borwick girls as part of her family and young Jackson was special to her. Kay was predeceased by her dear brother Bill who was always her hero and protector, and her sister in law Mabel. We wish to thank Marcel, Karen, Andy and all the rest of the staff at Sunshine and Hillview Lodges who became part of her family for over twenty years, as well as the many dear friends she made while living there. We also wish to thank the staff at the Acute Care wing of Drumheller Hospital for their tender care. Kay brought a certain type of happiness and excitement to every holiday and the absence of that will be felt by everyone in her family. Throughout her life she exhibited unfaltering thoughtfulness and generosity, always making an extra effort to make those around her feel loved and special. The kindness that she displayed each and every day was truly an act to follow and will not soon be forgotten. We like to think that by the end of her life she had played the perfect crib hand. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 25 at Knox United Church in Drumheller with the Reverend Jan Richardson officiating. Flowers are gratefully declined. To those who wish, donations may be made to Drumheller and District Seniors Foundation.