Kathaleen A. Cole

Kathaleen "Kathy" Cole of Petoskey passed on to Heaven on October 3, 2026, at her home in Resort Township. In recent years, and especially these past months, she was in the loving care of her family. To know Kathaleen was to love her.

She was born Kathaleen Ann LaPaugh on December 20, 1930 in Gratiot County, Michigan. She grew into a beautiful young woman, graduating from Alma High School in 1948. The following year, 1949, at a July 4th dance, she met the love of her life, C.D. "Lucky" Cole, and they married in October that year. In 1957 they moved their family of 6 children to Petoskey where they raised them in their busy, happy household.

Through the years, Kathaleen was a shining star as a wife and mother, adored by her husband of fifty years and her children, extended family and many friends. She was active in PTA, Emmet County March of Dimes, and was a long time Avon representative.

Kathy and Lucky spent many happy days boating when their kids were young, and motorcycling and snowmobiling after their kids grew up. They were also active members of the Elks Club and danced from their very first meeting thru their 50+ years of marriage. For over 40 years she has spent her winters in Bushnell, Florida where a very vibrant "Kathy" is remembered tenderly.

Kathaleen was preceded in death by her husband "Lucky" Cole, and her five siblings.

She is survived by her children Shiela Cole, Kay Lazuka (Ty), Donna Cole, Chuck Cole (Pat), Lois Engler (Bill), and Phyllis Hibbler (Darcy). She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Brad Parsel, Lee Cole, Craig Cole, Elaine Warner, Eric Engler, Chris Hibbler and Jenna Hibbler, and great grandchildren Trentin, RaeLin, Breyden, Jake, Logan, Peyton, Hunter, Charlie, Madi, Abigail and Sophia.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Advisa Care Home Health, Charlevoix, for their comforting care and advice. A special thank you to Brittany, and to Velvet, our amazing nurse.

A Celebration of Kathaleen's Life will be on Saturday October 24, 2026, at Resort Township Hall, 2232 Resort Pike Road, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM, with a special tribute planned around 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Friendship Center of Emmet County, 1322 Anderson Road, Petoskey, Michigan 49770.

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on her guestbook below.