Mary Cole

Mary Ann Cole passed away on January 14, 2022, surrounded by her family. Mary Ann (Clay) Cole was born on March 12, 1926, in Battle Creek, Michigan to Loran and Mildred (Gleason) Clay. Mary Ann faithfully attended St. Philip Catholic Church. She graduated from St. Philip High School in 1944.  While in high school, she worked for Shane’s and later for Cole’s Greenhouse.  While employed for Cole’s Greenhouse, she met her future husband, Thomas Cole. Mary Ann briefly left Battle Creek after graduation from High School to work for the FBI in Washington. After her time in D.C, Mary Ann moved back to Battle Creek, married Thomas Cole on July 23, 1949. Tom and Mary Ann owned and operated Cole’s Florist for over 20 years. Mary Ann volunteered for the Food Bank, St. Philip WSO, and St. Philip Church Adoration.  In 2006, Mary Ann received the Battle Creek Area Catholic School Distinguished Alumni Award. Mary Ann is survived by her children Robert (Alison) Cole, Thomas Cole, Connie (Doug) Burland, Timothy Cole, Carrie (David) Haley, eight grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and leaves behind countless friends and memories.  Mary Ann was loved by many and will be greatly missed by her friends and family. The family will receive friends Friday January 21, 2022, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with a catholic rosary starting at 7:00 p.m. at the Richard Henry Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 22, 2022, at St. Philip Catholic Church. A private family interment will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family requests that memorial contributions be given to St. Philip Catholic Church. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.henryfuneralhome.org.