Frances Cole

1928 - 2015

Frances (Fran) Cole

August 1, 1928 ~ April 21, 2015

Frances (Fran) Cole died at the age of 86, at Swedish Hospital Cherry Hill, the afternoon of Tuesday, April 21, 2015, with her husband Walt by her side.

She was born, Ruby Frances Barwick, in Greensboro, North Carolina (where "College Basket-ball" is always capitalized) on August 1, 1928, the second daughter of Georgia Ruby Harper Barwick and Carlyle Jackson Barwick. She much preferred to be called Fran and would correct anyone who called her Ruby.

She is survived by her loving husband of almost 60 years, Walter F. Cole, and their three sons: David Frederick (Lisa), Stephen deForrest (Susan), and Christopher Marion (Lisa), as well as three grandchildren: Raina, Zoe and Nicholas. She is also survived by her sister, Mary

Elizabeth Sink, two nieces, Rev. Mary Frances Sink, Katherine Elizabeth (Charles) Somelofski,

and nephew Carl Jackson (Bonnie) Sink.

After receiving her Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Music Theory and Minor in Oboe Performance, Fran taught for three years in Providence, RI. and then accepted a teaching job in Tacoma, WA in September, 1953. Unbeknownst to her at the time, her future husband, Walt Cole, arrived in Tacoma the same month - a member of the Air Force Band at McChord Air Force Base. Fran and Walt both joined the CPS/Tacoma Symphony in 1954 where Principal Oboist, Harry Fleig, Walt's commanding officer at McChord, introduced the two at a

rehearsal, and the rest is history. They were married, in the chapel of Annie Wright Seminary, on December 17, 1955. In 1959, their son Dave was born, and Steve three years later. The couple bought a house in Lake Forest Park, where they lived for 47 years. Walt began a long association with the Seattle Public Schools and the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestras. Their 3rd son Chris arrived in 1966. In the mid 80's, Fran and Walt started traveling. Fran loved planning trips, and at the end of each one, would assemble an amazing photo album with a detailed day-by-day account.

As time went on, all three sons married and grandchildren joined the family. After three sons, Fran was delighted to welcome two girls into the family in addition to one grandson. Each of the grandchildren was treated to a Disneyland trip at the age of 6. In 2010, they sold their home in Lake Forest Park and moved to Horizon House on Capitol Hill where they were welcomed into a very supportive, caring community. Fran's health began to be a concern, but she retained her cheerfulness and optimism to the end.

Family, Music, and Travel were

the three great joys of Fran's life.

She will be missed!!!

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations in Fran's name to: Seattle Children's Hospital, Pulmonary Division, 4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle WA 98105.