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Rosemary Cole

03/25/1933
05/29/2024

Rosemary Cole, age 91 died on May 29, 2024.  Rose demonstrated for us all the meaning of grace amidst strife. Hers was a life of divergent paths. One path brought her a young, vibrant, happy life with her husband Don and the family they raised together. A life filled with a loving family, rich friendships, and strong faith. Yet as mom became grandma, a new path emerged. As she approached fifty, a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis presented roadblocks. Throughout it all, Rose never lost her way. Instead, she drew a map for us, which gives us clear direction on how to live gracefully with any difficulty we’ll face. Thank you, Mom, for showing us the way. For your family and friends, you will always be our compass rose.

Rose was born March 25, 1933. She was the youngest child of John and Margaret Deederly. In her grade school years, she met her husband to be, Don Cole. Soon after graduating from Catholic Central High School in 1951, they wed. Together they embarked on countless joyful journeys. Don’s path led them through Dental school at the University of Michigan, military service in South Carolina and a 35-year dental practice in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Together, they raised their family of five in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Rob (Rennae), Beth, Rick (Shawn), Brian (Meg), and Steve (Dorothy). Beth (Cole) Heckman preceded Rose in death in 2016 as did son-in-law, Randall; granddaughter, Ashleigh Lynn Cole; grandson, Keelan Patrick Cole; and siblings, John, Midge, and Pat. Rose was under the care of the wonderful and compassionate staff of Sunrise Senior Care in Grand Rapids for over the past 15 years.

Family will greet friends and relatives from 5-8pm on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, with a Rosary at 7:45pm at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at St. Robert of Newminster Parish, 6477 Ada Dr. in Ada, Michigan, with visitation one hour prior. Rev. Tony Russo presiding. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Catholic Central Fund.

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