ELSIE "MARIE" COLE

November 30, 1937 – January 7, 2023

In 1937, Mom was born in Petites, Newfoundland, a small fishing outport. She was the youngest of eight children. Her mom was a homemaker. Her dad fished (by hand) in the rugged waters of the North Atlantic alone in his small dory.

When Mom was 16, a handsome young Mountie fresh out of the RCMP recruits' school, who had made his way to her part of Newfoundland, caught her eye. His name was Bill. After a short courtship, they were married and she quickly filled her home with four children (Theresa, Jocelyn, William and Stephen). During this time, her husband had left the RCMP and joined the Canadian Armed Forces. After postings to New Brunswick, France, Germany and Quebec, Mom settled her family on the North Mountain in 1967. For the next 34 years, Moshers Corner would be her home.

In 1979 after her children had left, Mom would welcome a foster child into her home. Edward Vidito remained with her for the next 43 years.

About the time of Edward's arrival, Mom started to welcome grandchildren to her family. Ten in all (Melanie, Julie, Rosie, Paul, Shannon, Will, Andrew, Adrian, Brad and Laura). They would be followed by 13 great-grandchildren (Danica, Adriana, Camryn, Dylan, Elyse, Ariya, Tristan, Blake, Sawyer, Matthew, Anna, Owen and Noah).

Mom's children and grandchildren all got to experience her wonderful cooking at the farm on the North Mountain, particularly in the summertime. After her husband's death in 2000, Mom moved to Middleton and made Reagh Avenue her home until her passing. She taught us to be respectful, decent, compassionate and loving. When times were difficult, she always found the right words or that special hug. In those early years, she gave everything to her children and kept nothing for herself. If there is a kinder Mom who has graced the face of this earth, our eyes have yet to see her. Everyone she touched during her lifetime she made better. Although her body has broken down, her spirit will live forever. With regret but understanding we accept that God has taken our angel so she can take her rightful place in his garden. We will see her again.

It was an honor and a privilege to call her Mom and Grandma. No one in the family worked harder and gave more than she did. She set the bar very high. You see, Mom was in the business of building a good family. We are most proud of her lifework and will always cherish being part of that journey.

In a world that has become increasingly fast paced where interpersonal skills, respect, kindness and basic human decency are under attack, Mom would always want to slow things down and fully enjoy the moment. The quality one-on-one time she shared with all of us will never be forgotten. No one ever wanted to disappoint Mom/Grandma so we all worked hard not to. Mom has armed us with so many life skills and she will never be far from our thoughts.

Mom is survived by her children Theresa (Chris) Barker of Middleton, Nova Scotia, Jocelyn Verhagen of Baileys Brook, Nova Scotia, William (Eileen) Cole of Truro, Nova Scotia, Stephen (Joanne) Cole of Kingston, Nova Scotia and her foster son, Edward Vidito of Middleton, Nova Scotia. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, William Frank Cole and her son-in-law Adrian Verhagen.

We would like to thank the nurses and doctors at the Medical Unit in Soldiers' Memorial Hospital, her family doctor, Dr. Kevin McGuire, and all those who provided homecare to Mom. Donations may be made to Soldiers' Memorial Hospital and the Alzheimer's Society of Nova Scotia in memory of Mom. Keeping with her wishes, there will be no visitation. There will be a private, family graveside blessing at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street 1-855-825-3448. Online guestbook may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com