Obituary - Pauline M. Cole

Pauline Magdalena Cole, 92

Pauline Magdalena Cole, 92, passed away Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012, at the Clark House in Moscow from age-related causes.

Pauline was born Oct. 5, 1919, to Michael and Emma Rieland Fuchs in Uniontown. The family consisted of seven sisters and four brothers. The family moved to Tekoa, Wash., before Pauline started school. She attended schools in Tekoa and graduated from high school in 1937.

During World War II, she moved to Tacoma, where she built airplanes for Uncle Sam as a "Rosie the Riveter." At the end of the war she returned to Moscow, where she married her "returning war hero" and lifelong companion, Quentin (Bus) Avery Cole. They were married for 57 years prior to his passing in 2003.

She and Bus raised all six of their children in Moscow; one girl and five boys. In 1956, the family moved into their lifelong home in the southeast corner of Moscow, where city streets ended in wheat fields and pastures. To little boys it was the end of civilization and the beginning of the great outdoors, where you could build forts, baseball fields, dig foxholes and catch grasshoppers for fishing trips.

It was at this time that Pauline started her 30-year career as one of the most sought-after baby-sitters in Moscow. Her little operation never exceeded more than three or four, but when you became one of Pauline's charges, you were one for life.

No little one ever left her home wet, cold or hungry and oftentimes a bag of cookies was sent home for later. If the parents were ever late, an extra plate was set at the table and she fed her extended family. She still follows the lives of many of her little charges, many of whom now have little ones of their own. Once you became part of her family, you were a part of her family forever.

Pauline started doing aerobics shortly after turning 60 and continued regular aerobic exercises into her late 80s. Her aerobic friends became a major part of her life. Because she never learned to drive, she was an avid walker and could be seen every day walking her little "four-legged, furry-faced" friend Soco. Soco always seemed to need a walk.

Pauline is survived by her daughter; five sons; 20 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; three brothers; and one sister. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Bus; five sisters; and one brother.

A viewing will be conducted from 1 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Short's Funeral Chapel in Moscow.
The rosary will be recited at 10:30 a.m., followed by a celebration of a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Mary's Catholic Church, First and Polk streets, Moscow. Interment will follow at the Moscow Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to St. Mary's School Foundation, P.O. Box 8485, Moscow, ID 83843.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Short's Funeral Chapel of Moscow, and online condolences may be sent to www.shortsfuneralchapel.com.

Lewiston Tribune, January 11, 2012, p. 7C
Transcribed by Jill Leonard Nock