Obituary of Thelma G Cole

Thelma G. Cole, of Woodbourne, passed away on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at The Care Center at Sunset Lake, Liberty, NY. She was 93.

She was the daughter of the late Oscar and Gladys (Dice) Houghtaling, born on September 9, 1928 in Claryville, NY.

Thelma worked as a school bus driver for Gershowitz for the Tri-Valley School District for thirty-five years until her retirement. She cared for the kids on her route as if they were her own. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, sister and friend. She will be deeply missed.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her children Ellen Bertholf of North Carolina, Lorraine Dolgas and her husband Thomas of Vermont, Michael B. Cole and his wife Lori of Neversink, and Wendy Cole-Dean of Loch Sheldrake; Sam (David) Bertholf of North Carolina who was likea son to Thelma; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her husband, whom she was married to for over 70 years, Raymond M. Cole who passed away in 2021 as well as two grandchildren Chad and Kurt Bertholf; siblings Isabelle Gerow, Dot Conklin, Bradley, Virgil “Budge”, Norway “Bozo” and Donald Houghtaling; and son-in-law Marvin “Mike” Bertholf.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the Staff at The Care Center at Sunset Lake for their help in caring for Thelma when she needed it most.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2022 at 3pm at Claryville Cemetery.

Donations in Thelma's name can be made to the Care Center Family Council, P.O. Box 186, Ferndale, NY 12734.

Arrangements under the care of Colonial Memorial Funeral Home, for further information call 845-434-7363 or visit www.colonialfamilyfuneralhomes.com