With hearts full of love and profound gratitude for a life well lived, we share the passing of our beloved mother, Barbara Cole, who left us peacefully on May 17, 2025, at the remarkable age of 96.

Barbara was born June 5, 1928, in Arcata to Mary Chaffey Dolf and Dewey Dolf Sr. Raised on South G Street alongside her sister Mary and brother Dewey Jr., Barbara grew up surrounded by family, laughter and the beauty of Humboldt County. The family spent many cherished days at their cabin on Lord Ellis, a place that sparked her lifelong love of summer days in the warm weather beyond the fog belt.

At Arcata High School, fate intervened when Barbara met the love of her life, Wendell Cole. The two married in 1949 and embarked on a life together that would span 71 devoted years until Wendy’s passing in 2020. The stork had a little trouble finding their address in the first years of their marriage, but when he did, he delivered first Larry and then Kimberley, who both proved worth the wait.

Barbara’s path in life was guided by compassion and a deep calling to teach. She began her studies at Humboldt State University, and when World War II created a shortage of teachers, she was granted an emergency credential after just two years of college. Thrown into the classroom at Trinidad Elementary, she might have felt over her head — but she swam rather than sank, emerging as a gifted and beloved educator. She taught for eight years while completing her teaching degree, and later, after starting their family, returned to Humboldt to earn a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology.

Her career flourished as a speech therapist in the Arcata Elementary School District, where she worked until her retirement in 1989. Barbara had an exceptional talent for helping children find their voices — literally and figuratively. Her impact on the lives of countless children was profound, and she was often greeted by former students who fondly remembered her guidance.

Barbara and Wendy embraced a vibrant retirement. Whether skiing powdery slopes across the western U.S. and Canada, enjoying rounds of golf together and on group golf trips, or setting sail on cruises to Alaska and beyond — they shared a deep love of adventure, travel and of each other. Barb was an enthusiastic photographer who documented every trip and family occasion, often ordering double prints when she turned her film in to be developed. As a result, thousands of photos have become touchstones, albeit overwhelming in volume, to remember a life lived with zest. The family photo albums are cherished, knowing they were compiled with love.

Barbara had a particularly close bond with her sister and neighbor, Mary. The two were often mistaken for twins, and after Barbara stopped driving, Mary became her steadfast chauffeur and partner-in-crime. Their sisterhood was a beautiful example of lifelong friendship lasting until Mary’s passing in October 2024 at the age of 98. The Dolf Girls had a good run, for sure.

Above all, family was the cornerstone of Barbara’s life. Her greatest joy was spending time with them and making each feel like her top priority. Many examples of her love exist, including ironing dollar bills to send with her daughter, whose class reunion was held at a local casino, “It makes them easier to slide into the slot machine,” she explained. Every year for Larry’s birthday, she offered to take him to dinner any place he wanted to go and he always chose to go to her house for her famous pork chops and gravy. Even when she was in her 90’s and had lost her sense of taste, she could still make a perfect batch.

She is survived by her son, Larry Cole; daughter, Kim Fahy; granddaughter, Katie Campbell (David); grandson, Taylor Cole (Kenzie); and great-grandchildren Hunter, Spencer, Kamryn, and Devin.

Our heartfelt thanks go to the kind staff at Timber Ridge in McKinleyville, where Barbara spent the final year and a half of her life. She was treated with warmth and dignity and made many dear friends during her time there.

Barbara was the last living member of her generation in our family—a gentle, guiding light whose absence will be felt deeply. Yet we take comfort in knowing she has reunited with Wendell and many loved ones who have gone before her.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at a later date.