Carol E.

Cole

Carol E. Cole, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2025, at the age of 72, at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, surrounded by her loving family. She lived courageously with multiple illnesses for many years, embodying unmatched strength and superior resilience throughout her life.

Carol was born on September 2, 1953, in Chelsea, Massachusetts, the daughter of the late Donald F. MacDonald and Evangeline (Robichaud) MacDonald. Raised in Chelsea, she received her education at Our Lady of the Assumption Parochial School, Carter Jr. High School, and graduated from Chelsea High School in 1971. She later attended Bay State College, laying the foundation for a life dedicated to family and service.

In 1974, Carol married Thomas "Bucky" Cole Sr., with whom she shared 51 beautiful years of marriage. Together, they raised a loving family of four children: daughter Julie McCann and her husband Steven of St. Marys, KS; sons Tommy Cole Jr. and his wife Sasha of Winchester, Michael Cole and his wife Lauren of Wilmington, and Craig Cole and his wife Ashlee of Saugus. Carol was a cherished grandmother to Isabelle, Cole, Evangeline, and George McCann; Tavian, Jaiden and Kiana Cole; Michael and Drew Cole; Craig and Ryder Cole.  Dearest sister of Donald MacDonald and his wife Jean of Sutton.

Throughout her life, Carol was passionately devoted to her home and family, finding joy in the simplest of moments and taking pride in creating a nurturing environment. Her smile lit up every room that she entered. She had a very strong work ethic which she demonstrated over many years, even when ill. Nothing could stop her from working and she worked harder than most. She enjoyed a fulfilling career, starting as a Service Repair Coordinator for NE Telephone, where she spent 28 years before retiring from Bell Atlantic in 1998. Following her retirement, she worked as a medical secretary for Dr. Tong in Stoneham and concluded her career as a file clerk for the DOR in Chelsea.

A deeply religious woman, Carol was a lifelong devout Catholic and a dedicated member of Our Lady of the Assumption "French" Church in Chelsea. After its closure, she attended weekly Mass at St. Michael the Archangel Chapel in Chelsea, where her support for veterans and residents at the Chelsea Soldiers Home was unwavering. Carol was also an active participant at the Saugus Senior Center and a longtime member of the NE Telephone Workers Union.

Carol's interests spanned across many hobbies, from crocheting (which she learned from her mother) and oil painting beautiful landscapes to decorating her home with painted murals and collecting shells and rocks along the beach. She found joy in shopping (there wasn't a dollar store that she didn't like), gift-giving (which is her love language shown to family and friends, old and new), and was particularly proud to be the #1 fan of the group "Just the Three of Us " (which her favorite singer, her beloved, is a part of). She was known for her unconditional kindness to everyone that she met, especially strangers . She made friends very easily and was the first one to run to someone's aide, regardless of the situation. In every area of her life, she always went above and beyond.  She embodied such grace and love and she will be remembered for many years to come. She truly was an Angel on earth.

Visiting hours for Carol will be held at the Welsh Funeral Home, 718 Broadway, Chelsea, on Monday, December 22nd, from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Her funeral service will begin at the funeral home on Tuesday, December 23rd, at 9:00 A.M., followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Michael the Archangel Chapel, 100 Summit Ave, Chelsea, at 10:00 A.M. Services will conclude with interment at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett.
In lieu of flowers, friends may consider making contributions in Carol's name to a charity of their choice.

Carol E. Cole will be deeply deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her. Her legacy of love, compassion, and unwavering spirit will live on in the hearts of those she touched.