Obituary of Mary Theresa Cole

Mary Theresa Cole, 90, of Rome, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at Betsy Ross Nursing Facility. She was born in Rome on November 25, 1933, a daughter of the late Claude T. and Marie (Hawkins) Smith, Sr. She was Valedictorian of the graduating Class of 1953 at St. Aloysius Academy. On May 25, 1963, she was united in marriage to Robert Cole. He passed away November 25, 2017.

Mary worked as a Purchasing Agent at Varflex Corporation for many years and was a member of St. Peter’s Church. She was an avid golfer, and enjoyed playing Oriskany Hills GC and Rome Country Club among many others. She was an excellent bowler and was inducted into the Rome Women’s Bowling Hall of Fame.  

Mary is survived by two daughters, Debbie Ringlehan (John Jr.) and Lisa Brasie (Nathan); two sons, Robert Cole, Jr. (Charlene) and Richard Cole (Barbara); eleven cherished grandchildren, Taylor Brasie (Alex), Kelli Brasie, Haley Brasie, Michael Cole (Bri), Michelle MacLeod (James), Melissa Cole (Will), Brooke Follett (Dan), Kayla Beckwith, Alexis Beckwith, Samantha Cole, and Carly Beckwith; six precious great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Barbara Miller; and several nieces, nephews and friends, including her special “Golden Girl” friend and roommate, Joanne Crouth. She was predeceased by two sisters, Betty Abbe and Ginny Page; and two brothers, Claude Jr. and John “Jack” Smith.

Mary’s family would like to express their gratitude to the staff and friends at the Terrace at Woodland and Betsy Ross Nursing Facility for their wonderful care and compassion.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, January 3^rd, 9:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church, 200 N. James St., Rome NY 13440. Interment will take place in St. Peter’s Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to call at Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc., 418 N. George St., Rome, NY 13440, on Tuesday, January 2^nd, from 4-7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mary’s memory to the St. Peter’s Church Memorial Fund.   

 You may view the obituary and send a message of sympathy at www.nunnandharper.com.