Carolyn Annette Cole

Carolyn Annette Cole

(née Rathbun)

June 3, 1965 – November 27, 2025

Galatians 2:20

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

With hearts full of both sorrow and gratitude, the family of Carolyn Annette Cole shares that she entered the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She entered heaven early Thanksgiving morning, November 27, 2025, which was her favorite holiday.

Thanksgiving is now a day forever changed and will remind those who loved her of her legacy. Those blessed enough to meet her will continue to feel love she poured so freely into her family, friends, and all who crossed her path.

Carolyn was born on June 3, 1965, at Glens Falls Hospital and passed peacefully at Albany Medical Center, surrounded by her husband, children and their spouses. She lived with a steadfast confidence in her Savior, and she knew, without fear, that her eternal home with Him awaited. Confident in her salvation, she was ready to go home to her Savior, to the place He had lovingly prepared for her.

A devoted wife, cherished mother, faithful friend, and a woman of unwavering faith, Carolyn touched countless lives with her warmth, generosity, and compassion. She was resilient through every challenge, including a courageous battle with cancer, which resulted in lasting health complications. Despite this hardship, she carried herself with grace, humor, and strength that never dimmed. Her empathy for others was extraordinary; she could comfort a stranger as naturally as a loved one, and she made everyone feel seen, valued, and understood.

Throughout her life, Carolyn held many jobs, but her greatest joy came from her years at Latham Christian Academy, where she poured her heart into teaching children and shaping young lives. She even homeschooled her own children for two years while working a second job, just one example of the countless sacrifices she made out of pure love.

Carolyn was someone who found beauty, joy, and connection in the everyday moments. She loved cooking, especially in the beautiful kitchen her husband recently remodeled just for her. Her beloved cat, P.C. (“Princess Carolyn”), was often on her lap while she enjoyed her coffee (even when she had to drink decaf), relaxed with Hallmark movies, or indulged in her favorite treats like Jelly Bellys. She cherished going out to dinner with her husband several times a week, taking drives together, singing, and buying plants she fully expected not to keep alive (to her husband’s amusement). She took pride in crafting a home that was peaceful, welcoming, beautifully kept, and always filled with her love for her family.

She delighted in visiting family, especially in places she didn’t often get to see. She was blessed with a wonderful church family at Latham Bible Baptist Church where she faithfully worshipped God for thirty years.

She loved seafood of all kinds and could turn a walk through the neighborhood into a series of friendly conversations with strangers. Carolyn was happiest doing anything, absolutely anything, alongside her husband.

Her life was rich with memories that her loved ones will cherish forever. Dancing around the dining room with her children when they were little, girls’ nights at the mall with her daughter, family trips to Word of Life Campground, and her unforgettable journey to Israel in 2016 with her church.

A Closing Statement from the Family

Carolyn’s life was a living testimony of love, compassion, faith, and joy. She poured herself into her family, her church, her friends, and even into strangers who crossed her path. Though we will miss her with a depth that words cannot hold, we find comfort in knowing she now rests in the eternal home she longed for. Carolyn’s great desire for all of her loved ones was that they would one day realize their need to put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

In this time of loss, the prayers, messages, and support from friends and family, both near and far, have been an incredible blessing. We are deeply grateful for every expression of love, from both lifelong friends and those we haven’t spoken to in many years. Your kindness has surrounded us, strengthened us, and reminded us of the countless lives Carolyn touched throughout her journey.

Her memory will continue to encourage, strengthen, and inspire us until the day we meet again.

Philippians 1:21

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”\

She is survived by:

Her devoted husband, Robert R. Cole; her children, Zachary R. Cole (Chloe) and Samantha J. Blackburn (Nicholas); her mother, Sylvia J. Brown; her siblings, Valerie Rathbun, Monica Inot, Edward Rathbun (Debbie), and Bradford Rathbun; her half-siblings, Phyllis Rathbun, Randy Rathbun, and Beverly May (Eric); and her nieces and nephews, including Pamela LaCelle (Brett), Valerie Daigle, Jason Matteson, Jeremy Matteson, Sarah Matteson, Tonya Wright (Timothy), Michael Inot, Kyle Hayward (Cassie), Jasmine Rathbun, Megan Herman (Adam), Andrea Cole (Nick Hodges), Kevin Baker, Daniel DiPace Jr. (Anna), Beau DiPace (Deanne), Blake DiPace (Samantha), Tanner DiPace, Walker DiPace, Alonna Reyes (Dakota), and Vienna Silvia; as well as her brothers- and sisters-in-law, Tracy Johnson, Marta Foster, Michael Harker (Ellen), Dawn Mac (Danny), and Lori DiPace (David Coon); her father-in-law, James D. Ruff; several great-nieces, great-nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins who loved her dearly. Lastly, we can’t forget her beloved cat P.C. “Princess Carolyn”

She was pre-deceased by:

Her grandparents, John E. Heath (Violet) and Elizabeth Montgomery (Rathbun); her fathers, Virgil V. Rathbun and Leonard Brown; her parents-in-law, Judith A. Ruff and Robert R. Cole Sr. (Carol); her brothers- and sisters-in-law, David W. Cole, Dale Johnson, Kenneth Baker, Donna White, and Danny DiPace; her great niece Abby Daigle.

Service Information

Visitation Wednesday, December 3, 2025

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Latham Bible Baptist Church

495 Albany Shaker Rd, Latham, NY 12110

Funeral Service Wednesday, December 3, 2025

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

At Latham Bible Baptist Church

Graveside Service

1:00 PM

Memory Gardens

983 Watervliet Shaker Road

Albany, NY 12205

Flowers & Donations

Flowers are welcome. Please have delivered to the funeral home end of day Tuesday. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Capital City Rescue Mission on behalf of Carolyn Cole