Stephanie R. Cole

Stephanie R. (Ceglarek) Cole of Kalamazoo died peacefully in her sleep on October 26, 2013, after a long and happy life. She was born in Bay City, Michigan on January 25, 1913. Upon being graduated from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Detroit as a Registered Nurse she enlisted in the United States Army Nursing Corps. While in the service, she attained the rank of Captain. When she was stationed in Puerto Rico, she met and married Major Arthur E. Cole. After the war, the couple lived in West Haven, CT, Wadsworth, OH and Portage, MI. Stephanie continued her professional career in Wadsworth and the Kalamazoo area, working in hospitals, as a private duty nurse and as a volunteer for the Red Cross. Stephanie enjoyed robust health through her life. She was an avid golfer and excellent bridge player, which she continued to enjoy until arthritis made holding cards difficult for her. Through these activities she made many lasting friends, who called her “Stevie.” She also was also skilled in the craft of needlepoint, creating a variety of beautiful, intricate pieces. Stephanie enjoyed traveling with her husband and, after his death, went on a number of trips with her sister Marie as well as the Portage Senior Center. Until a stroke forced her to move to the Fountains of Bronson Place in 2007, Stephanie enjoyed the companionship of a number of cats, including her beloved Andy. She was a member of St. Monica Catholic Church, the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary, as a well as a member of the Polish National Alliance. Stephanie was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters, her husband Arthur, and her granddaughter Gwendolyn Cole. She is survived by three children, Arthur (Joanne) of Ann Arbor, Stephanie (Edward) Oldfield of Norfolk, VA, Martha Cole of Kalamazoo, and her grandson Edward C. Oldfield IV of Norfolk, as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews and great grandnieces and nephews. She will be remembered fondly by her many friends. Viewing will be Wednesday, October 30, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Redmond Funeral Home, 4100 S. Westnedge Avenue, Kalamazoo; a rosary will be said. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, October 31 at 10:30 am at St. Monica Church, followed by a reception. Interment will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI. Memorials may be made to the animal welfare charity of your choice, or the C. S. Mott Children’s Hospital Save a Heart program.