Anna Mae Cole Fiercely independent Anna (Ann) Mae Cole, less than two months before her 100th birthday, passed away on July 31, 2004. She managed her own household, drove her own car and assisted her younger sisters until earlier this year. Ann's faith in God, wry sense of humor, strong will and strength, practice of a healthy lifestyle, commitment to family and dignity were admired by all who knew her as she lived a life of quiet grace on the Westside of Indianapolis. Born on September 25, 1904, Ann was the third of 14 children. Ann's parents, Charles William Cole and Flora Etta Wilson Cole; four brothers and seven sisters preceded her in death. Her brother, Charles William Cole, Jr.; sister Dorothy Ellen Burton and numerous nieces and nephews survive. Calling will be at Conkle Funeral Home, 4925 W. 16th Street, Speedway on Sunday, Aug. 1 from 4 to 8 p.m. Services will be at 10 a.m. Mon. Aug. 2 at the funeral home. Burial will be at Floral Park Cemetery. Ann began work at age 14 and never stopped for 54 years. She worked at the New York Department Store, the Indianapolis Railway Company and Hoffman Jewelers, from which she retired in 1972. Ann volunteered for Community Hospital for several years and was a long-time member of Mt. Olive United Methodist Church. Ann was an inspiring example to her friends and family of how to live a long, productive and healthy life. In lieu of flowers, Ann's family requests contributions to Riley Hospital for Children, the American Cancer Society , IU Cancer Research Center, Mt. Olive United Methodist Church or your favorite charity so that possibly in the next 100 years we may see an end to cancer forever.

Published in the The Indianapolis Star on August 1, 2004