Irene Vivian Cole, age 84, currently residing at the Christian Park Village and former Gladstone resident, died Monday evening September 5, 2005 at the Christian Park Village in Escanaba.

Irene was born August 21, 1921, in Escanaba, the daughter of Phillip and Rose (LaFrenier) Baribeau, who preceded her in death.  She was raised in Escanaba and attended the Escanaba schools.  In January of 1942, Irene married Paul F. Cole in Escanaba.  Together the couple made their home in Gladstone where Irene kept their home and raised their family.  Irene spent her entire life in the Delta County area.  Over the years she enjoyed ceramics and going to bingo once a week.  Irene enjoyed baking during the holiday season, making date filled cookies and fudge and hot milk cake with caramel frosting.  She also enjoyed knitting mittens for school children, braiding palms on Palm Sunday, shopping, playing cards and cheering for the Detroit Tigers and Green Bay Packers.  She liked to listen to country music and camping in their travel trailer. 

Survivors include:

3 Sons:  Paul H. (Suzanne) Cole of Gladstone, MI; Jim (Kathy) Cole of Gladstone, MI; Tom (Victoria) Cole of Green Bay, WI

1 Daughter:  Mary (Robert) Soper of Cornell, MI

4 Sisters:  Violet Meyer of Escanaba, MI; Agnes Baribeau of Escanaba, MI; Freda Whitlow of Escanaba, MI; Virginia (Frank) Schmitt of Rapid River, MI

Also surviving are 11 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

In addition to her parents, Phillip and Rose and her husband, Paul, Irene was preceded in death by:

1 Daughter:  Anne Marie Cole in 1966

2 Sisters:  Rose Johnson and Emma Clairmont

4 Brothers:  Ernest; William; John “Jack” and infant George Baribeau

Family will receive friends on Thursday from 2:00PM to 4:00PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone.  Funeral services celebrating the life of Irene Cole will take place on Friday, at 10:00AM, at the Holy Family Catholic Church, in Flat Rock, with Fr. Frank Lenz officiating.  Luncheon will follow funeral services in the church parish hall.  Committal will follow luncheon at the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone.