Helen Mae Cole, 78, a longtime resident of Norwich, passed away on Wednesday, December 21, 2016, at the Wilson Regional Medical Center of Johnson City following a short illness.
Helen was born on October 5, 1938 in Philadelphia, PA the daughter of Arthur and Anne (Robinson) Butt. She was a resident of Norwich for many years and a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Norwich where she has held many positions on various boards. Over the years Helen has worked as a nurse’s aide at Valley View Manor Nursing Home and the New York State Veterans Home. She had also been employed by Chenango Memorial Hospital and Sears from which she retired.
Helen had many friends and her family will miss the happiness and good times that were had whenever she was present.
“Only my mother could share her love with all of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and yet give each child their undivided love.”
On December 17, 1966 in Norwich she married Howard Jesse Cole who passed away December 4, 1987.
Helen is survived by her children; Suzanne Lowe and husband Mike of Norwich, Barbara Byam and companion Daryl Crawford of Morris, Donna Welsch and husband Bill of Norwich Ronald Kinney of TX, James J. (JJ) Cole and wife Mindy of Norwich and her greatest joys were her 16 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Also surviving is her daughter-in-law Ivy Kinney of TN, her siblings Josephine, Barbara and Henry all of PA.
Helen was predeceased by her husband Howard, her son David Allen Kinney, her sisters Betty and Myrtle and brothers James and Gilbert.
A funeral service for Helen will be held on Saturday, January 7, at 11 am from the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. David Spiegel, Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Norwich will officiate. Interment will be at a later date in Mt. Hope Cemetery.
Friends may call at the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home on Friday from 5-8 pm.