Joanne Cole

God called. He said I was next in line to join Him. So, the evening of August 23, 2011 I flew the coop. I guess I was ready. My parents, Salvatore and Caterina Spica of Philadelphia, PA made sure our family was drenched in the loving goodness and guilt of Catholicism. I was born on September 6, 1919. While serving in the USO during WWII, I met a newly blinded Marine in the Naval Hospital. We fell in love, married and moved to Houston in 1945. As Mrs. Criss Cole, I became my husband's eyes and confidant. He became my friend and tower of strength. I read his studies to him while he attended St. Thomas University and the Law School at the University of Houston. I was with him while he served Texans in Austin as their Representative and Senator. Those were exciting times. Together, we made a positive difference in the world. Criss was called to God's side in 1985. Oh, God. I really missed him. I lived a life of love for my family and friends. That love is what has sustained me. Meet my family: my son Warren Cole and his wife, Kathy, daughters Amy, Abby and husband Mike Miggins, Libby and husband Sean Clancy, my son Dennis Cole and his wife Elizabeth, children Karen and husband Jason Pitcock, Michelle and Criss. Great-grandsons Shelby Cole and Jack Clancy, Great-granddaughters Molly, Cate, Lucy, Claire. I was a card-carrying member of All Saints Catholic Church for 65 years. I have enjoyed 50+ years bowling with my “Shameless” friends; that being the name of our team. Proudly, I was still bowling strikes up to 5 months ago. I strived to always remember special days for others, like birthdays and holidays. I would labor over selecting Hallmark cards to mail, looking for just the right one. I loved receiving them as much. Criss and I must have done a pretty good job. Our boys are not in jail, they have jobs with salaries and homes with mortgages. And, I can still make them feel guilty about things. If you are interested in seeing me for the last time, drop by Heights Funeral Home on Sunday, August 28 between 6 pm and 8 pm. There will be a Rosary said at 7 pm. On Monday, August 29 at 11 am, I will be attending Mass at All Saints Catholic Church. Although I love flowers, I ask that you consider investing in something much more important, that being the Criss Cole Children’s Fund, P.O. Box 571085, Houston, Tx 77257-1085. Thank you for being a part of my life.