Jeannette M. (Pelletier) Cole 1928 – 2022 TOPSHAM – JeannetteMarie (Pelletier) Cole , 94, of Topsham, passed away on July 11, 2022 with family at her side, after a long period of poor health. Jeannette was was born in Topsham to Ann (Marquis) and Emile Pelletier on April 11, 1928. Her parents emigrated to Maine from Quebec province, and she was a proud Franco-American. She was educated at St. John’s in Brunswick. As a young woman she began working in the local textile mills as a weaver. During World War II she worked at the Verney Mill in Brunswick, where she was selected to work the looms producing fabric for parachutes used by U.S. Armed Forces. She was very proud that her hard work and attention to detail helped save lives and contributed to the victory in the war. During this time she cultivated a strong work ethic and an independent streak. On August 8, 1964 she married Charles Cole Sr. Soon after, Jeannette left the work force to become a full time homemaker. She and Charles raised four children, with Jeannette sometimes being the sole parent as Charles’ 24 years in the Navy often had him deployed overseas. Jeannette was a child during the Great Depression, and this greatly influenced her world view. She knew what it was like to live with much uncertainty, and to appreciate the small things in life. She was humble and frugal, but generous to her family. A luxury for her was to visit Nova Scotia via a cruise ship, which she did several times and cherished. Jeannette was predeceased by her parents; husband, Charles; sisters Marie Ann, Grace, Rita, and Lucille, brothers Roger, Roland, Lauriand, and Robert; and daughter, Pearl (Allen). She is survived by daughter, Phyllis Buffum and husband David of Phippsburg, sons Charles Jr. and wife Katrina of South Portland, James of Somerville, Mass.; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. In her final days she spent much time looking through family photo albums and reminiscing. At one point, looking at photos and remarking on her long life, she summed it all up: “I guess it was all worth it, I had really cute brats.” A family celebration will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to: CHANS Hospice

Copy the Story Link