BRUNSWICK — Ruby Cole died suddenly at her home Feb. 22.

She was born in Brunswick in 1943, to Jeanne (Tondreau) and Albert Lester, the youngest of five children. She moved to the Boston area in the early ’60s, returning to Maine in 1986.

Cole adored her mother, many aunts, uncles, siblings and cousins and was proud of her heritage as a Tondreau. She was a dedicated mother, aunt and grandmother and even retired early from a career at a large retail chain to help care for her grandson, who has autism.

Cole had a flair for fashion and was always a stylish woman who was as beautiful on the outside as she was on the inside. She was bright and beautiful and joyously tackled home improvement and decorating projects, including special play environments for her grandchildren. Cole cherished and indulged her grandchildren, and showered her family and friends with love, joy and, quite often, a fabulous homemade feast.

She enjoyed life and delighted in keeping her mother’s tradition of opening her heart and home to family and friends for festivities. Cole’s kind heart extended to the animal world, as she had a soft spot for strays and rescue pets.

Ruby, like her name, was a precious gem to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

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Cole is survived by her daughters, Bonnie Cole and Sharon Thompson; two grandsons, Christopher Cole and Grant Thompson; a granddaughter, Ava Thompson of Nashua, New Hampshire; a great-grandson Alec Thompson; a sister, Barbara; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life was held at Annabella’s Bakery & Café in Richmond Feb. 27.

Memorial donations may be made to the ASPCA at http://bit.ly/1URQSbb or the charity of one’s choice.

Cole


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