Joy Rita (Anderson) Cole

On the morning of April 10, 2018, our mother, Joy Rita Cole went home to Jesus.  Her family was with her when she passed peacefully from colon cancer, which was diagnosed in July 2017.  Joy was 92 years old.  Following her diagnosis in July, Joy remained positive and continued her active lifestyle as best she could.  She was an inspiration for many of the staff members and fellow residents at Park Plaza Assisted Living in Orange. 

Joy was born in Chicago, IL. March 2, 1926.  Seeking better financial opportunities during the Great Depression, Joy’s parents, Edward and Alice, packed-up Joy and her younger brother, Edward Jr. and headed for California in 1943 – ending up in Los Angeles.  They enjoyed camping, hiking, and fishing; taking advantage of all the wonderful scenery of the mountains, deserts, and beaches throughout California and the Western States.  Joy’s love for travel and sightseeing adventures continued all her life.

Joy was married to Richard Cole (“Dick”) in April 1962.  The couple started dating following a church outing to Balboa Island in September 1960.  Joy and Dick adopted their son, Dennis, in 1964 while they were living in Eagle Rock, CA.  They moved to Orange, CA. in 1968 and adopted their daughter, Debra, in 1970.  Joy was a devoted mother; she was always involved in the kid’s activities: school, church, scouting, and sports.  Joy loved to celebrate every holiday and birthday – every event was filled with fun and adventure. 

In retirement, Joy and Dick enjoyed traveling, Dixieland Jazz, and activities with the Santa Ana Elks.  Their trips included:  Alaska, New Zealand, Tahiti, and the Hawaiian Islands.  Joy visited many of the Hawaiian Islands, but Maui was her favorite – she and Dick returned to Maui countless times over the years.  In 2008, after forty-six years of marriage, Dick passed-away; however, Joy continued traveling with friends and family.  She took delightful trips with her beloved brother, Ed, and sister-in-law, Jereen.  After Ed passed in 2013, Joy and Jereen remained travel companions, which Joy thoroughly enjoyed. 

Most importantly, Joy was a faithful member of Trinity Episcopal Church for fifty years; she joined Trinity upon moving to Orange in 1968.  Joy attended Easter Sunday services just one-week before she passed – it was a wonderful day celebrating the Resurrection of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ – she is in His presence now! Joy is preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Alice Anderson; her husband, Dick; and her brother, Edward Anderson Jr.  She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Dennis & Laurie Cole; her daughter, Debra Cole; her grandchildren, Lindsey Hildebrandt (Madison) and Devin Cole; and her sister-in-law, Jereen Anderson.

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