Shirley Venne Cole

Shirley Venne Cole, 93, of North Branford, wife of the late Owen Cole, passed away Monday, June 12, 2017 at her home. She was born in Northampton, Massachusetts on July 4th 1923 to the late Obe and Bertha (Hathaway) Venne.

Shirley was a longtime resident of North Branford and was member of the North Branford Congregational Church where she was a part of the Ladies Sewing Society. She worked in various retail positions in her earlier years but was most proud of her time at home raising and caring for her family. Shirley was known to be a master seamstress, making gowns, quilts and endless hats and mittens for church fairs. Shirley loved spending time giving herself to volunteer work with the church. She had a zest for life and adventure and will always be remembered for her love and devotion to her children and family.

Shirley is survived by her three children; son Robert Cole and his wife Jeannette of Northfield, VT, son Jason Cole of North Branford, and daughter Cynthia Cole of North Branford. She is also survived by her five grandchildren; Rachel, Harley, Tyler, Beau and Timothy, as well as two great-grandchildren Nathan and Anna (son and daughter of Harley and Courtney).

Funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family, there will be no calling hours. Donations in Shirley’s memory may be made to the North Branford Congregational Church, 1680 Foxon Rd. North Branford, CT 06471 or to the Make–a-Wish Foundation of CT, 126 Monroe Tpk. Trumbull, CT 06611.

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