Gladys Cole

WATERBURY- Mrs. Gladys Cole, 97, died peacefully on June 7, 2016 at VITAS Healthcare at St. Mary's Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Thomaston on Feb. 26, 1919 to the late James and Martha (Bell) Benson, she was a lifelong member of United Methodist Church of Waterbury and the Wesleyan Fellowship. Gladys took great pride in caring for her family and helping her husband create a successful automobile business. She also enjoyed working as a teacher aide in Thomaston and Bethlehem, and enjoyed countless trips and cruises that brought her great pleasure. Gladys really lived life to the fullest.

Survivors include her daughter Sandra Banik and son Jeffrey Cole, both of Waterbury; her son Thomas Cole and his wife Marie of Spring Hill, FL; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great, great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Francis Cole, son Gerald Cole, sister Arline Duley and brother James Benson.

Arrangements- Her funeral will begin Monday, June 13, 2016, at 10:15 AM from the Alderson-Ford Funeral home of Waterbury, 9 Holmes Ave, and proceed to United Methodist Church, 250 Country Club Rd. Waterbury, CT for a service at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery, 158 Main St. Thomaston, CT. Calling hours will be held at the funeral home from 9:30 AM until the procession leaves for the church. Donations in Gladys' name may be made to the United Methodist Church of Waterbury or to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.