Jeanne Frances Cole Yehle, 85 years young, transitioned peacefully from this life to her next on Friday, August 29, 2014 two months after a diagnosis of lung cancer. Jeanne was born February 14, 1929 in Boston, MA, the eldest child of Eleonore O. (Sampson) and Francis (Frank) A. Cole. She spent her childhood and teen years with three siblings on the farm at Ferry Hill in Granby, MA; she graduated from high school in 1947 and from Framingham State Teachers College in 1951 with a B.A. in Home Economics Education. Seeking adventure after college, she moved to Petersburg, Alaska to teach for two years. Upon her return to the lower 48, she met Otto H. Yehle at a teachers’ conference in Fitchburg, MA. They married July 3, 1954, celebrating 60 years together two months ago.
Jeanne returned to teaching in 1966 after her youngest child began school; she spent five years at Holy Name School (grades 2 & 5), two years at the H. A. Kempton School (grade 2) and finally, 13 years at Old Rochester Regional High School (grades 9-12 Home Economics.) Retirement brought time for enjoying six grandchildren, travel to Jackson Hole, WY overlooking the Grand Tetons, a return trip to Alaska, gardening, baking/cooking, crafting and art classes. Jeanne’s creativity blossomed and she was at peace with a paintbrush in her hand. She continued painting upon her move four years ago to Draper Place (assisted living) in Hopedale, MA where she made new friends, enjoyed many activities and was much loved. For the past two months, Jeanne resided at the Sacred Heart Nursing Home in New Bedford where she received excellent palliative care. Her faith was central to her life; a devout Catholic, Jeanne was drawn to Mother Mary, St. Francis of Assisi and St. Therese of Lisieux as sources of her strength and focus of her prayers.
Preceded in death by her parents, sisters Barbara Wezniak and Elizabeth (Betty) LeDuc, and infant daughter, Gretchen Frances, Jeanne is survived by her husband, Otto, three daughters: Sue-Ellen (Bob) Szymanski of Milford, MA, Mary-Ellen (Brian J.) Arsenault of Rocky Hill, CT, and Elaine (Bill) Yehle Bowen of Cuyahoga Falls, OH and her beloved brother, Frank J. Cole of Auburn, MA. Her grandchildren were her joy; she loved being Nana to granddaughters Megan Deiana (Nick Stej) and Ashley (Brendan) Hartt, grandsons Brian A. Arsenault (Mist Rousseau), Nicholas J. Arsenault (fiancé Sergio Famiglietti), Evan C. Bowen, Grant H. Bowen and great-granddaughter, Hannah M. Arsenault. She also leaves many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations to the American Cancer Society or participation in a local Relay for Life event. Jeanne would be well remembered by the planting of fall bulbs or a birch tree, as well as the donation of art supplies to programs for children or seniors that they may have the opportunity to explore their creativity. Please consider wearing something blue, her favorite color, in Jeanne’s honor.
Her Funeral will be held on Friday September 5, 2014 at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 AM at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Thursday from 4-7 PM. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.