On July 13, 2014, Jean Marie Engelke Cole, beloved mother, grandmother, sister and aunt passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family and her cherished felines. She was she was born to Harriet and August Engelke and spent her childhood in Simsbury, Connecticut. In 1956, she married Cyril Cole who passed away in 1974. During a long courtship and following their marriage, Jean and Cyril spent very happy times on their sailboat in New London, Connecticut. Jean loved the ocean and the beach and walked many shorelines in New England and faraway places. She was a nature lover and a fashionista. of us will ever forget Jean’s courageousness and fortitude over a very long illness. She was an example of strength that is inspirational to us all. She is survived by her daughters, Cynthia Cole, Lisa Cole and her husband Jay DuMond, and honorary daughter, Shelley Freiman, her beloved grandchildren Cole, Leila, and Isabella DuMond, her sister Candace Hyotte and husband Robert, brothers, Theodore Engelke and his wife Marie, and John Engelke and his wife Marilyn, her dear cousin Regina Jachym, her sister in law, Ruth Engelke and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved brother August Engelke. Jean was blessed to have devoted caregivers during her long illness and we were blessed to be her caregivers. Heartfelt thanks to Roseanne Lombardo, James Rosado and Bette-Ann Libin for their care and support to Jean and our family. Jean’s niece and special companion, Susan Engelke Mason showered Jean with love and fun and was a special friend. Many thanks to VNA staff, Barbara, Jesse and Somma and to Dr. Gary Belt for his exceptional care and concern. Jean’s long time caregiver Douris Channer was an angel for Jean and we will be forever grateful for her endless love that she provided to Jean day in and day out. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at noon at the Weinstein Mortuary, Hartford. Calling hours at 6 Mountain Farms Road, West Hartford following the service and on Thursday 2:00pm to 7:00pm. Donations to be made to the National Parkinson’s Foundation.
