Sandra Jean Cole
August 1, 1947 -January 20, 2021
On August 1, 1947 Sandra Jean Cole entered life in Waverly, New York and entered rest January 20, 2021 in McKinney, Texas.
Sandra worked for Wilcox Lumber, Cohocton, NY, The Toy Factory, Laf-a-lot, Gunlockes and Bryant House in Wayland, NY before becoming a stay home mom. She enjoyed waitressing many weekends for Bryant House Fish Fries. She was very proud of the home on Scott Street where she raised her children. She was very happy to pay off the mortgage despite being divorced and disabled.
In her early thirties she was diagnosed with Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. As the disease progressed, she found the need to use a cane to assist with walking. Ultimately, she found it necessary to succumb to a wheelchair and frequently she could be found riding all around Wayland, NY on a scooter. Sandra was a member of the Ladies Legion Auxiliary, president of the local singles group, and could be found working and counting money for the Friday night St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Bingo.
At age fifty, due to the progression of MS she became a resident at Mercycare Nursing Home in Hornell, NY followed by Monroe Community Hospital. At both nursing homes she was known as the birthday balloon courier. She would sing Happy Birthday to the residents to brighten their special day.
In her sixties she relocated to Texas near her children. She lived in three different nursing homes over the course of thirteen years. Being near her children and immediate family brought her joy. Her grandchildren enjoyed riding on the back of “Grandma’s Wheels”. She lived vicariously through romance novels and magazines. Always on her computer and cellphone using facetime to stay in touch with family near and far. She became a pretty good competitor with “Words with Friends”. Before her health deteriorated her family purchased a van which accommodated her special needs allowing her to get out and about.
We are so grateful for all who visited her often and the family members nearby who helped her in so many ways. Thank you to her dear friend Jan who visited often. Thank you to Gene Brunswick, Karrie Prinzi and Kammie Shutz for the hundreds of cards sent over the years. We greatly appreciate the nursing home staff in New York and Texas for caring for her over the last twenty-three years.
Over the years, Sandra’s faith and hope in the Lord is what kept her going. She was strong, brave, courageous, and full of love. During her residence in various nursing homes, she served as an advocate for many roommates over the years. She was the most amazing sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, and cousin. She will be missed by so many. Her family finds comfort knowing she is free from illness and resting in eternal glory.
Preceded in death by her parents, one brother; Kevin Cole, One sister; Mary Strope, One brother in law; Fred Oteri and one son in law; Eric Westbrook.
She is survived by one daughter; Laura Westbrook of Leonard, Texas and one son; Richard Evans of Frisco, Texas, four grandchildren; Amanda and Alayna Evans, and Patrick and Sara Westbrook, four sisters; Carol Warden, (Delbert), Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Patricia Neu, (Wayne), Princeton, Texas, Maureen Mattice, and Joanne Oteri, both from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, four brothers; David Cole (Abbie), Victor New York, John Cole, Boston Massachusetts, Geoffrey Cole (Rhonda, Anderson South Carolina and Joseph Cole (Gloria), McKinney, Texas, numerous nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.
In Honor of Sandra a Memorial Service will be held Sunday, February 21, 2021 at Bois D’Arc Creek Cowboy Church, 3301 S Hwy 121, Bonham, Texas 75418
Donations given in honor of Sandra Cole can be made to:
National MS Society, PO Box 91891, Washington, DC 20090-1891