Dorothy Helen Cole, 95, of Scituate, Massachusetts passed away peacefully on March 15, 2025, at the All American Assisted Living in Londonderry, NH surrounded by her loving family. Born on May 15, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Eldrude Whitney (Royce) of Three Rivers, MA and Howard A. Whitney of Ludlow, MA. Dorothy was known for her courage to stand up for what she believed in, her determination, and resilience. Her lessons went beyond words, as she led by example, always fighting for fairness, empathy, and the dignity of others.
She is survived by her children: David Cole and his wife Evelyn Mousel-Cole, Steve Cole and his wife Michele Gear-Cole, and Sandy Cole Kunitake and her husband Doug Kunitake. Dorothy was the proud grandmother to four grandchildren: Christopher Cole, Alyssa Frechette, Julia Frechette, and Brian Frechette. She is also survived by her sister, Virginia (“Ginny”) Mae Fleming of Warren, MA along with many nieces and nephews.
Dorothy is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wilbur “Joe” Cole, and her siblings: Marilynn, Phyllis, Joyce, Joan, Barbara, Janice, Milton (“Milty”), Howard (“Butch”), and Eda.
Dorothy was the second oldest of 11 children and was raised in Warren, MA. She graduated from Warren High School in 1947 with high honors. In 1950 she graduated from Springfield College of Nursing and began her career at Mary Lane Hospital in Ware, MA. She loved her role as a surgical nurse in the OR and, later on in life, remarkably recalled her favorite patients’ names and memories of her time there.
Throughout her life, she took pride in her medical knowledge and care for others. Dorothy and Wilbur married on June 20, 1953, and were blessed with almost 60 years of marriage. Dorothy was a stay-at-home mom who remained very active in her social circles. She and Wilbur raised their children with values of kindness, integrity, honesty, and respect for others which were passed down from their respective upbringings. Wilbur’s career brought many moves for the family throughout the Midwest and East Coast. Their final move was to their beautiful seaside town of Scituate, MA in 1976.
Dorothy was a passionate, lifelong learner and attended OLLI classes through UMass Boston well into her late 80s. She obtained a graduate certificate in Human Services from UMass Boston in 1990. Often regarded as ahead of her time, Dorothy had a passion for social justice and women’s rights. She demonstrated how human connections can transcend cultural and language barriers through her many travels.
Closest to her heart were her trips to El Salvador with UCC Norwell, which spanned over 20 years. In her final months, she would often reflect on these visits and how much the other Asaprosar members and Salvadoran people meant to her.
Some of Dorothy’s favorite pastimes included early morning walks on Peggoty beach in Scituate, playing word games and card games with family and friends, reading, and watching Jeopardy. Dorothy also took pride in being a grandmother and was a source of great support for her grandchildren. Dorothy leaves behind a legacy of strong, principled individuals who will continue her work, holding steadfast to her lessons of moral courage, love, and equality. Her spirit will live on through her children, grandchildren, and all whose lives she touched with her grace and wisdom.
The family would like to thank the United Christ Church of Norwell, a place where she found deep connection with community and faith. And a special thank you to Brookhaven Hospice and the All American nurses and staff who were there during her final moments to ensure her quality comfort and care.
A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, March 22nd, 2025 at the United Church of Christ, 460 Main St., Norwell, MA 02061, at 1:00 PM where we will honor her memory and the profound impact she made on all of us. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Asaprosar in Dorothy’s name at https://www.asaprosar.org, continuing her lifelong commitment to justice and equality. The Peabody Funeral Homes & Crematorium is assisting the family with arrangements.