Obituary: Constance Gwendolyn Cole

Constance Gwendolyn Cole, 86, of Oak Ridge, passed away at Canterfield Assisted Living on Saturday, February 28.

She was born to parents James Nichols and Catherine Cutting Nichols on August 6, 1928, in Lunenburg, Vermont.

Growing up in Vermont, she enjoyed snowshoeing and snow skiing, the open fields, horses, and dogs. She learned to fly airplanes in the early ’40s. After moving to Oak Ridge in 1965, she loved spending time in the Smokies.

A devoted wife and mother, she was a member of Oak Ridge Alliance Church. Being a people person with a smile that would brighten anyone’s day, she was active with the Oak Ridge and Knoxville Toastmasters and, being a trained vocalist, she directed the children’s choirs at Glenwood Baptist Church. For more than 17 years, Constance was involved with and area director of Christian Women’s Club, Stonecraft Ministries. She also prepared taxes for H&R Block.

Survivors include husband of 63 years, Kenneth Cole, of Oak Ridge; son, Douglas Cole and wife Karen, Sterling, of Virginia; and grandchildren, Katie Larimer, Kristina Peralez, Samantha Cole, and Alicia Cole.

The memorial service will be held Friday, March 6, at 11 a.m. at Oak Ridge Alliance Church with Dale Crank officiating. Receiving of friends and family will immediately precede the memorial service at 10 a.m. A fellowship meal will immediately follow the service.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to either Oak Ridge Alliance Church, 109 Raleigh Rd., Oak Ridge, 37830 or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

An online guest book may be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.