Thelma Adeline Coler

Coler, Thelma Adeline (Cook) 80 Oct. 05, 1931 May 31, 2012 Mrs. Thelma Adeline (Cook) Coler passed away after a three year battle with dementia. Her remarkable life was distinguished in the minds of all who knew Thelma for her genuine warmth and enthusiasm, a curiosity undiminished by age and her faith in the redeeming power of hard work well done. When she was young and seeking adventure in the 1950s, she traveled alone to work and live in post-war Heidelberg. Remembering her days in Europe, she was always an advocate for a better world in which the next generation of women would rise above the old barriers to education and the choice of a professional life. She was married 53 years to Dr. Roderick Coler and ran his busy office practice in Kennewick, Wash. She leaves behind her husband, Rod; four children; nine grandchildren; and the countless people who felt and may still feel her influence for years to come. A ceremony celebrating Thelma's life will be conducted at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Kennewick, Wash., at 4 p.m. on June 17.