Obituary of Rowlena Anne Cole

COLE, Rowlena A.

Pictou

Our hearts are heavy as we say goodbye to our mother, grandmother and wife, Rowlena Anne Cole, 77, of Pictou who passed away suddenly on Feb. 21, 2019 in the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow with her loving family by her side.  Born in Sackville, New Brunswick on Nov. 30, 1941, Rowlena was a daughter of the late Wallace Ward and Dulcie Ward Wheaton.  In 1964, she married her first love Eugene Cole and together they raised their family in Liverpool, Chester, Glace Bay and Pictou County while he worked with the Royal Canadian Mount Police.  Throughout her lifetime, Rowlena was employed with the Tribune Press in Sackville, New Brunswick, the National Research Centre in Ottawa, Bowater Mercy, Canadian Tire and King Freight Lines, but she was always proud to call herself a homemaker, mother and wife who looked over her family with a watchful eye and loving heart.  Her children and grandchildren were her priority as she celebrated their accomplishments and supported them in times of need by keeping in touch through regular visits and phone calls, providing a listening ear and cooking meals that would leave their hearts and bellies full.  Some visits also included a card game that allowed the younger generation to learn a thing or two from Nanny Ro about a winning hand.  One of her favourite pastimes was gardening which was evident to anyone who drove by their former home on Three Brooks Road that had manicured lawns and colourful flower beds scattered throughout the property.  Rowlena also showed tremendous compassion for her community by volunteering with youth as a CGIT and Explorer Leader, as well as serving others in need at the Pictou Food Bank and The Opportunity Shop.  She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Pictou and its AMS Group where she fostered her strong sense of faith that helped her through her most difficult days.  She is survived by husband, Eugene; two daughters, Jennifer Murphy (Donald) and Angela MacDonald (David); as well as her six grandchildren, Douglas Murphy, Jeremy Murphy, Brady Murphy, Danielle Fraser (Nelson), Keirstan Romick (Jay) and Austin MacDonald.  She was predeceased by her sister, Patricia Beaule´ and brothers, Roland Ward and Austin Ward.  Visitation will be Monday, Feb. 25 from 7 to 9 p.m. at McLaren Funeral Home in Pictou and the funeral service will take place Tuesday, Feb. 26th at 2 p.m. from First Presbyterian Church, Pictou under the direction of Rev. Shelly Chandler.  Family flowers only.  Donations in her memory may be made to a charity of your choice.  Interment of her ashes will take place in Sackville, New Brunswick at a later date.  www.mclarenfuneral.ca