Carol E. Cole age 85, passed away at the David Simpson Hospice House on August 2, 2023. Carol was born in Cleveland Ohio in 1938 to Charles and Beulah Smith. She married her husband Melvin Cole in 1956. Together they settled in Plymouth Twp., Ohio where they built their lives, businesses and long-lasting friendships.
Carol, along with her husband, lived a faith-based life dedicated to serving others. Carol dabbled in several occupations before settling on becoming a licensed electrician to support Melvin in building Cole's Electric Service. As that business began to grow, Carol discovered other interests. She expanded her life of service by becoming a volunteer EMT with Plymouth Twp., a Lay Midwife and proprietor of Pool's by Cole.
Carol thrived on coaching expectant moms and being by their side to bring new life into this world. She burst with pride whenever she spoke of delivering more than 100 babies during her time as an active lay midwife. Whenever asked about her life she would say "I have had the most amazing life, no one should be sad for me – I mean, I got to deliver babies!!" Once she became physically unable to attend deliveries, she still met with, and coached many moms to be.
Pools by Cole, which Carol and Melvin established in the early 1980s morphed into much more than a swimming pool business. Her customers became extended family members. She always bragged "I have the best customers in the world".
Carol was preceded in death by her parents, sister Joan Marie Smith, son Doug Cole and her husband of 66 years Melvin Cole.
She is survived by her brother Charles Smith, Daughters Cindy (Pete) Stevenson and Sandra (Donny) Pedro, Grandchildren Amanda (James) Ressel, Ashley Cole, Desiree (Evan) Schwarz, Brittany Cole and Deston Cole and several great grandchildren. Too many to mention are those she loved who also called her 'my other Mom'.
The world is a different place. Not because she is gone, but because she was here.
In place of flowers, contributions can be made in her memory to Hospice of the Western Reserve.
A Celebration of Life will be held on August 7, 2023 from 4pm-6pm with a service to follow at Lake Erie Cremation and Funeral Services, 1500 Harpersfield Road, Geneva, Ohio.
www.LakeErieCrematory.com