Donna M. Cole – Age 76, wife of the late Robert J. Cole died peacefully Sunday, April 12 at her home after a period of declining health.
She was born in Chelsea, November 18, 1949, a daughter of the late Frederick and Doris (Melanson) Russo and was raised in Everett and lived in Chelsea before moving to Billerica in 1976.
Donna was employed as a Registered Nurse for the Whidden Memorial Hospital in Everett having worked 47 years before her reluctant retirement. She graduated from the Whidden Memorial School of Nursing and dedicated her entire career to her service there. It’s often joked about that she came with the building. She has saved, comforted, nurtured and advocated for countless of people from all walks of earth. She was a fierce leader and compassionate caregiver who believed in the power of kindness and decency. She also dedicated 10 years caring for her husband Bob, allowing him to remain home with her until his passing.
She is survived by her daughters, Lauren Lowry and her husband Evan of Nashua and Vanessa Cole of Lowell; her brother, Vincent Russo of Missouri and his wife Patricia and her beloved grandchildren, Claire, Layne and Bennett Lowry.
Donna’s funeral arrangements will be private and memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association.
