Our beautiful mother, Arlene Cole, unexpectedly passed away this past Saturday, February 21st. She was a wonderful person and the best mother anyone could ever ask for. From the age of 28, she raised three children on her own, always putting our needs first and filling our lives with love and support. After working factory jobs in her early years, she became a teacher’s aide for kindergarteners, a role she cherished. Later, she made a bold move to Florida, where our family found a new home and she spent the rest of her career as a waitress and restaurant manager, making friends wherever she went.

Life brought many challenges, especially with her health. At 50, she survived her first heart attack and made major life changes, including quitting smoking. She faced ongoing heart issues, including a triple bypass, but always bounced back for her family. The loss of her twin sister during the pandemic was a heartbreak she never fully recovered from, and now we know that pain ourselves.

Just days before her passing, we took her to the hospital for what seemed like a minor issue. We were told she’d be home in a few days, but she left us suddenly. Through it all, she enjoyed life deeply and always told us she’d live to be 100. If she ever fell short, it was only in not reaching that goal. We are so grateful for the years we had with her.

We are raising funds to help cover her services, medical expenses, and unexpected costs, and to help us get back on our feet. Any support means more to us than words can express. Thank you for helping us honor Arlene’s memory and for standing with our family during this difficult time.