Cheshire, CT- Rosemary “Rosie” Cole passed away knowing the love of her devoted family on August 14, 2026 at Masonicare in Wallingford. She was born on August 19, 1927 in Bad Axe, MI to the late Laura and Douglas Phillips. She was predeceased by her loving husband, David “Spike" Cole and son, Charles Cole, her brother, Russell, and sister, Sally.

Rosie was a passionate woman who loved her family, friends, faith and the beautiful things found in nature.

Rosie met her beloved and devoted husband, Spike in fifth grade when his family moved from Kansas to Michigan. They married at 20, and spent 63 wonderful years together. She graduated from Michigan State University, and was a proud Beta Pi member of Kappa Alpha Theta. Her first job was teaching in a one room schoolhouse. She had many tales to tell about the unique learning experience.

Spike and Rosie had many wonderful dinner parties with their forever friends in MI, NY, PA and CT. They had flower and vegetable gardens, and a prized asparagus bed from MI. Rosie would alert the family to the first Spring flowers to peek through the snow. She loved her hummingbird feeder right outside her kitchen door where she admired their feeding and flying habits

Doolittle School was Rosie’s home away from home, cherishing her days with fellow teachers and students. She was known for encouraging reading by sitting in her rocker surrounded by students, who were anxiously waiting for her to read the next chapter. When Rosie’s students graduated from Cheshire High she would send them her congratulations. Several of her students visited her in her final days, and she loved hearing all about their lives. Forever friendships with fellow teachers brought comfort and joy throughout the years.

After retirement, Rosie volunteered at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church assisting with the alter guild, bazaar, and monthly luncheons with fellow church ladies. The sharing of one dessert and six spoons was a common topic. She was proud of being President of the Cheshire Women’s Club for two years, and was able to continue her love of children’s literature wherever she went.

Rosie is survived by her devoted daughter, Laura Cole-Rose and son-in-law, Gary Rose; her loving grandchildren, Garrison Rose (Jacky) and Meredith Pfalzgraf (Jason); and her cherished great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Fiona Rose and Owen and Savannah Pfalzgraf. She loved reading to and with all of them. As soon as her great-grandchildren could read to her, she smiled and knew her goal was accomplished.

There was nothing that made her smile more than to know that the family was having a celebration together.

Thank you to Alderson-Ford Funeral home, the care givers at Ashlar Village, including all the nursing and staff. Thank you to Masonicare at Home for providing extra care when needed. Special thank you to Masonic Health Care Center where nurses, staff and Hospice gave Rosemary hands on care, and understood the process with respect and empathy. Big thank you to Dr. Ali Hamdan and Justine RN for always being there when needed. Their personal touch was so appreciated by Rosemary and her family throughout the years.

A Funeral Service for Rosemary will be held on Saturday, August 29th at 9AM at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 59 Main Street, Cheshire, CT 06410. Burial of cremains immediately at St. Peter’s Cemetery. A reception to be held at the church following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Church, 59 Main Street, Cheshire CT 06410 or Cheshire Public Library (especially to the Children’s Library) by visiting www.cheshirelibrary.org. Please plant spring bulbs this fall and think of Rosemary when the flowers bloom.

The Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire has been entrusted with Rosie’s care. To leave online condolences to her family, please visit www.fordfh.com