Cole, Grace M (Minson)

Grace M. Cole, 92, of Rocky Hill, CT, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022. Until an illness set in during her last years, she was very active and energetic, always busy and engaged in leading a full life.

Grace grew up on a farm in Montville, CT, which may have piqued her interest in the outdoors. As a young woman in college she joined a hiking club; hiking became a passion for the rest of her life. During one of these hikes at UCONN, she met her husband to be, Chester Cole. They were married for 54 years until he passed away in 2005.

Grace hiked most of the mountains in New Hampshire, plus others in New England and Virginia. She meticulously planned and carried out two camping trips across the US with her daughter and son when they were fairly young. Together, they visited nearly all the states in the contiguous United States. Back then, it was rare to find other women hiking and camping so actively. This interest of hers was passed on to her children and grandchildren. Up until about the age of 80, she walked about 3 miles a day along the dirt road and paths near her home. In addition, traveling became a keen interest of hers, especially trips to Europe with her cousin Millie.

Grace obtained a BA in home economics at UCONN and an MS in education at St. Joseph's. For many years she was a first grade teacher. She was a member of the Congregational Church in Rocky Hill for over 50 years, attending nearly every Sunday, being active as a Sunday school teacher, and serving on various committees and boards. She was a Brownie leader, then a Girl Scout leader for many years. In Rocky Hill, she also served on the Board of Education and the Inland Wetland Committee, and was an active member of the Garden Club. Throughout all this, she maintained a passion for her hobbies of quilting, sewing, and knitting.

As for her family, Grace was very supportive and interested in what others were doing. Regarding her children, she was certainly their cheerleader, and she could always be depended upon for her support and love.

Grace is survived by her children, Jacqueline Little, and Dan Cole and his wife Judy Cole; grandchildren, Justine Cole and her husband Santiago Garcia, Ian Cole and his wife Aubrey Cole, and Laurel Cole; great grandchildren, Juliana Garcia and Leonel Garcia; and cousin Mildred Devine.

A memorial service is being held on Sunday, 11/13/2022, 3pm, at the Rocky Hill Congregational Church.

Please sign guestbook at courant.com/obituaries