Beth Cole

Helena "Beth" Cole was born on July 18, 1922 to Elliott D. and L. Pearl

McCracken. She grew up in Berkley and attended Berkley High School where

she graduated valedictorian of her class in 1939.



On April 29, 1943, Beth married her best friend, the late James "Bud"

Cole in New York City. They shared 68 years together before Bud passed

away in 2011.



After the war ended, they returned to Berkley to raise their family. Bud

retired in 1975 and headed north to build their retirement home in

Suttons Bay while Beth continued working until she was retired as the

City Clerk of Birmingham in 1977. While living in Suttons Bay, they made

countless new friends. In 1996, Beth and Bud moved full time to

Fairhope, AL, where they enjoyed 10 years of sunshine, warm winters, and

many new friends. In 2006, when health issues demanded, they returned to

Traverse City where they resided in the Estates at Terrace Bluff. There

they were surrounded by caring friends and neighbors. In June of 2011,

Beth moved to the Birch Pavilion at the Grand Traverse Pavilions. There

she lived the remainder of her life lovingly cared for by the dedicated

and compassionate staff. In her spare time Beth loved gardening, flower

arranging, drawing and painting. She and Bud were members of the Grand

Traverse Rock and Mineral Club. Beth was a member and past president of

the Friendly Garden Club in Traverse City.



Beth is survived by her daughter Marie Cole Graham of California,

daughter Teresa (Jeff) Cole Mattis of Suttons Bay, grandchildren Deborah

(Sam) LaFon of California, Melissa Graham of Washington, Eric (Kristina)

of Green Bay, and Mark (Summer) of Traverse City. She also had 8 great

grandchildren.



A memorial service will be held in the spring. Memorial contributions in

Beth's honor may be directed to the Grand Traverse Pavilions or the

Friendly Garden Club.