Marilyn Cole, passed peacefully after a long illness early in the morning, of September 26, 2021. She was 82. Marilyn enjoyed a long and rich life; a small- town girl who grew up on a farm, her gifts led her to a career as an English Teacher and a master’s degree. But then she met the love of her life, Lawrence E. (“Ed”) Cole and gave up her dreams of a Doctorate for a job that was far more important: Full Time Mother. She moved to Warren in 1974, where she became an active member of St. Joseph’s Parish, where she served on the PTU, Parish Council, taught CCD- confraternity of Christian doctrine, belonged to the church Legion of Mary and became the president of the Altar Rosary Society. She worked for the parish for many years, first as a secretary, then as a baker and cafeteria kitchen manager. Her incredible skills made her a legend and countless people still remember “Mrs. Cole’s Roll” made from her classic dinner roll recipe. Inspired by Mother Theresa of Calcutta, she helped form St. Joseph’s Soup Kitchen and would serve as its director for over a decade. Marilyn loved gardening and read constantly. She was devoted to Padre Pio and showed her deep faith in every part of her life. But more than anything else, she loved her 3 grandchildren, who gave her great joy in her later years.
Left to follow her examples in life, are her children, Mark T. Cole, Edward (Ted) W. Cole and wife, Lady Carmel, 2 Grandsons – George Edward and Vincent Charles Cole, 1 Granddaughter – Josephine Marie Cole all of Warren, PA., 1 Brother – William Brand of North Huntington, PA., 1 Sister – Catherine Allio of Lucinda, PA., several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was greeted in heaven by her husband of 46 years, L. Edward Cole whom she married January 30, 1965, in Lucinda, PA., who died July 19, 2011, 2 Brothers – John “Jack” Brand, Herbert Brand, Jr., 1 Sister – Rose Marie Lennex.
Friends may call at St. Joseph R.C. Church, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue West, Warren, PA., on Friday, October 1, 2021, from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. when a Traditional Latin Requiem Mass will be conducted at 10:30 A.M. with Fr. James P. Power, Pastor of St. Mary/St. Ann Roman Catholic Parish, Crown, PA., officiating. Interment will be in St. Joseph R.C. Cemetery, Warren, PA. Those wishing to place memorials, the family has requested Masses to be offered for the repose of the soul of Marilyn Brand Cole. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com. The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.
Marilyn was a wonderful woman and excellent baker my family still talks about her rolls and stromboli. My parents Ross and caroline Ananea thought highly of your mother. Sorry for your loss
To Mark and Ted & families;
So so sorry to her of the loss of your mother….she was a wonderful and great woman. She was an inspiration to me and introduced me to the Holy Mother. I worked soup kitchen with her till 2006. I lead in prayer and found the love of the poor and needy through her. I have never met a more generous, Compassionate, loving soul as your mother…my two children also loved her dearly and I’m sure will never forget “Mrs. Coles Rolls”. (I won’t!!!). She also taught me patience. I never forgot her when I moved to Oil City…she will always be in my heart and not forgotten what she done for me…May you rest in the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ…Love you Marilyn
Sandy Wertz King
Our deepest sympathies. Her obituary is beautiful. It was a pleasure to cross paths with her at St. Joseph’s and a true honor and privlege to provide care to her. All of you are amazing caregivers to her, and wonderful advocates. There no doubt is a beautiful reunion going on in Heaven. Our thoughts and prayers remain with each of you.
So very sorry to read this news…I remember Marilyn from the time I spent helping out with CCD at St. Joe’s, as well as a neighbor, when she and her family moved to the home on the corner of Sill St. and Walnut St., just down the street a bit from the home in which I grew up. She was the salt of the earth and “good people” to her core. I considered it an honor to have known her, even though our connection and interaction was by no means regular. My deepest sympathies to Mark and Ted and Carmel, as well as to the entire family. While we mourn Marilyn’s passing from this earthly realm, I know the angels are rejoicing, for she is among them now. Sending prayers for peace and comfort in the knowledge that many share in your sorrow during this most profound loss.
When I began teaching at St. Joseph School in 1996 I quickly realized the school had something no other school had… a cafeteria with real food! I don’t think the kids appreciated just how wonderful their school cafeteria was.
I know Marilyn was serving more than lunch….she was also serving God’s love, always kind and welcoming. She prepared not just daily lunches, but our Thanksgiving and Christmas Feasts and Catholic Schools Week Brunch – all included, of course, Mrs.Cole’s rolls!
She lived her faith through everything she did and found ways to help those who were in need. Heaven’s gates were opened wide for her and her family can rejoice that she is now in the arms of her Lord.
I send my sympathy to her family.
May she rest in peace. My condolences to all of you.
Marilyn was a wonderful woman
and a tireless church worker . She
was my neighbor for years and
always remember her smile and
hello whenever we net! She raised
a strong Christian family . All
Godly people. It was hard for her
because her husband died years
ago. God bless you forever, Marilyn!