Kathleen C. Cole (née Cooper), \90, of Oxford, died peacefully on Thursday, May 21, at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford. She was the beloved wife of the late William I. Cole, with whom she shared 70 years of marriage.
Born in London, England, Kathy was the daughter of the late George Cooper and the late Joan Haines Cooper.
Kathy was born in Bermondsey, London, and spent part of her childhood in Dorking, Surrey, during WWII, experiencing the realities of wartime England through air raids, gas masks, and rationing. A gifted musician, she was selected to play double bass with the prestigious London Schools Symphony Orchestra, performing regularly at the Royal Festival Hall and Royal Albert Hall, as well as in concerts abroad, including Holland and Denmark.
Kathy later worked for Barclays Bank, where she met William “Bill” Cole, who was serving in the United States Air Force. After a brief courtship, she made the courageous decision to leave her family and homeland in England to begin a new life with Bill in the United States.
Kathy and Bill were married in August 1954 and made their home in Boothwyn, where they raised their four children. Kathy was a devoted wife, mother, and working professional who balanced family life with a successful career.
She began her career at Scott Paper Company, where she not only developed professionally but also formed many lifelong friendships. She later worked as an accountant for Phoenix Steel in Claymont, and eventually retired from DuPont.
After retirement, Kathy and Bill moved to Long Neck, Delaware, to the home they built together.
Kathy was an active member of Linwood United Methodist Church prior to moving to Delaware. In later years, she enjoyed being involved with the Red Hats and volunteering in the gift shop at Beebe Hospital.
Kathy especially loved bringing people together. She and Bill hosted many cherished Christmas Eve open houses and holiday picnics over the years, creating lasting memories for family and friends alike. Spending time with those she loved was always one of Kathy’s greatest joys.
Kathy and Bill shared a love of travel and enjoyed many memorable adventures together, including trips to the western US, Alaska, Hawaii, and a European river cruise. Kathy especially treasured returning home to England over the years to visit family and friends. During one special trip, Kathy and Bill renewed their wedding vows, celebrating the enduring love and partnership they shared throughout their 70 years of marriage.
Kathleen is survived by her brother, Robert Cooper; her daughter, Lynn (Dan) Schaefer; son, William G. Cole; daughter, Melisa (Mike) Ferriola; and daughter, Kristin (Jeff) Heard.
She was also blessed with seven grandchildren: Amie (Tibault) DeFrate, Sara Schaefer, Michael Ferriola, Cole Heard, Madison Ferriola, Aiden Heard, and Nolan Heard; and four great-grandchildren: LeighAnn Bradford, Claire DeFrate, Tristan DeFrate, and Theo DeFrate. She is also survived by four nieces and seven nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, Kathleen was predeceased by her brother, John Cooper.
You are invited to visit with Kathleen’s family and friends from 10–11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 10, at Willowdale Chapel, 675 Unionville Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348. Her funeral service will follow at 11. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Kathy’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association at In Loving Memory of Kathleen Cole.
Arrangements are by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square. To view her online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.
About Rich Schwartzman
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
