Obituary of Brenda m. Cole

Palmer - Brenda Mae (Quale) Cole, 75, passed away on December 28, 2023. She was the daughter of the late Harold and Olga (Glittre) Quale, she was born December 27, 1948, in Willmar, MN. She was baptized at the Spring Creek Lutheran Church in Kerkhoven, MN and confirmed at the Vanje Lutheran Church in Willmar, MN. She spent her early childhood on the family farm in Kerkhoven Township, Swift County. The family moved to the town of Willmar in 1956. She graduated from Willmar High School in 1966.

After completing high school, Brenda attended Concordia College where she met her husband, Wayne Cole. They were married in Willmar on August 9, 1969. After the birth of their son, Matthew, Brenda and Wayne moved to Palmer, MA. They were soon blessed with a second son, Justin.

Brenda finished her degree at Westfield State University. For the next 40 years, Brenda worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts within the Department of Developmental Services. She worked in various positions culminating in Quality Enhancement Director for the DDS Central/West Regions. She was responsible for licensing providers of developmental disability services in the Central and Western area of Massachusetts.

Brenda was a renaissance woman who was never afraid to try anything. She built a 3-season porch for her mother-in-law in Three Rivers without any building experience. She researched and learned as she built. The porch is still in use today. Unusual for her generation, she had two tattoos. One was “Kijierste”, the name of her father’s mother, Christine, called her. It means “cherished”. The other is of the GPS coordinates of the farm she grew up on.

Brenda enjoyed writing, birding, cooking and photography. She exhibited her photos at UMASS and at the Southbridger Art Association. She was well-versed in art history and was an avid art collector. She was an accomplished conversationalist. If she didn't understand something, ran across a word she didn’t know or was just curious, she’d google it on the spot. Also, she was an active member of the Palmer Conservation Commission. But, above all, she enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s baseball and basketball games and spending time with her family and friends.

She is survived by her two sons, Matthew Cole and Justin Cole, her two grandchildren Tyler Cole and Madison Cole, and her partner, Sandra McConathy all of Palmer, MA.

Calling hours will be Monday, January 8, 2024, at the Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. A graveside service will follow at Four Corners Cemetery in Three Rivers.