Kathy M. Cole

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Kathy M. Cole on June 20, 2023. Kathy was born in Seattle, Washington to Ted and Dorie Rogers. She grew up in West Seattle with six siblings, attending Holy Rosary Catholic school through high school graduation.

After high school, Kathy met Craig Cole while working at Boeing and they married in 1968. She continued her adventures when they moved to Japan for several years before moving to Bellingham in 1973. Kathy put down roots in Whatcom County, raising children, engaging in faith and friendship at Assumption Catholic Church for many years and working in the community.

Kathy had a lifelong love of learning, and later in life went back to school, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition from Western Washington University. She worked for many years as a nutritionist before moving to the field of bookkeeping. Her love of learning led her to explore many hobbies, including traveling (she went on a trek to Nepal), becoming a master gardener, creating rugs through “hooking”, reading many, many books in her bookclubs, and being a staunch supporter and member of AAUW (American Association of University Women), most recently holding the office of treasurer for the Bellingham chapter.

Kathy’s faith was very important to her, as she was strongly aligned to the Catholic Church and supported the Interfaith Coalition. Kathy’s spiritual life led her to volunteer in various capacities over the years, including singing in the choir with dear friends.

Kathy loved to connect with others and would engage strangers, small children, her health care providers, her friends, and her family. She is already missed and will be remembered.

Kathy is survived by her daughters, Jennifer (Tom) More and Megan Hammer; son, David Cole; grandchildren, Cole More, Olivia More, and Dez Hammer; siblings, Joe (Kay) Rogers, Connie Rogers, Sharon Stankowski, Molly (Dave) Hancock, and Patty Rogers; and her former husband, Craig Cole.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Ted and Dorie Rogers, and brother, David Rogers.

A Vigil Prayer Service will be held on Thursday, June 29, 2023 at 5PM at Westford Funeral Home, 1301 Broadway Bellingham, WA. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 30, 2023 at 11AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1110 14th Street Bellingham, WA. Kathy will be laid to rest at Bayview Cemetery during a private family service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bellingham Food Bank or Whatcom Literacy Council.